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- Ελληνικά
It is with great pleasure that I welcome tonight's award ceremony of our athletes organized by the Cyprus Association of Sports Journalists (CSA). Unfortunately, due to other commitments, it was not possible for me, despite my desire, to be present at tonight's event.
Let me start by saying that I consider it particularly important that the awards are presented by the NAC, since our sports journalists are the ones who follow the effort, the hard work, the results of our athletes and their distinctions on a daily basis.
At the same time, ladies and gentlemen, the fact that tonight's event and the awards for excellence presented by the NAC are under the auspices of the Cyprus Sports Organisation (CSO) with the support of the Cyprus Radio and Television Foundation (RIK), the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (CTA) and the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth, highlights the importance that we as a State attach to the top celebration of our outstanding athletes, which for five decades has become an institution.
I would like to warmly congratulate those who were voted as top athletes and all the candidates in each category individually.
As the Government and the State, I would like to assure you that we will be supporters and helpers, with actions and not with words, in the effort to further upgrade sport in our country. At the same time, as the State and I personally are determined, in cooperation with all stakeholders, to finally, effectively and holistically address the phenomenon of hooliganism, violence in stadiums and in sport in general. Such phenomena do not honour any of us.
Friends,
We are only a few months away from the Olympic Games in Paris. We all look forward with excitement and pride to see as many Cypriot athletes as possible participating in the premier sporting event. In this context, but also as a sign of our clear will to substantially support sport in our country, I am announcing tonight the allocation of an additional 350 thousand euros for the preparation needs of our athletes who are competing in the Olympic Games in Paris, with the wish and hope that the Cypriot Olympic Team that will represent us will make us even more proud.
In closing, I would like to congratulate once again all the awardees, to thank and warmly congratulate the NAC for the high standard with which its members carry out their duties, and to wish you all a wonderful evening.
Thank you.
(PM/GC/NZ/EP)
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