Nicosia: President of the Cyprus Sports Organisation Yiannos Ioannou praised the performance of the Cypriot delegation at the Games of Small States of Europe (GSSE), congratulating the athletes and announcing plans to reward them, regardless of whether they won a medal.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Ioannou shared these remarks during a press conference about Cyprus’ participation in the 20th GSSE, held in Andorra from May 26-31. Cyprus secured the top position with a total of 108 medals. George Chrysostomou, President of the Cyprus Olympic Committee, highlighted the extensive planning required for the achievement, emphasizing that the delegation was the largest ever at the Games. He described the event as a triumph of ethos, effort, and investment in the future.
Efthimios Polydorou, head of the mission of the Cyprus Olympic Committee at the Games, noted the remarkable achievement of securing first place after 14 years. He stressed that while achieving first place was not the main goal, the result demonstrates confidence in the capabilities of the athletes and Cypriot sports as a whole. Polydorou also praised trap shooter Nikolas Kyriakou for a fair play gesture during the competition, which received commendation from Prince Albert of Monaco.
Athletes expressed pride in representing Cyprus and pledged to continue their rigorous training to defend their top position in future Games. They also look forward to the 2031 GSSE when Cyprus will host the event.