Glasgow: Cyprus proposed the establishment of a Centre of Excellence on the Economic Dimension of Sport at the 12th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting, held in Glasgow on Wednesday as part of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, according to an announcement by the Cyprus Sports Organisation. Cyprus was represented by the Organisation's Acting Director General, Dr Vassos Koutsioundas, on behalf of Education, Sport and Youth Minister Dr Athena Michaelidou.
According to Cyprus News Agency, discussions at the meeting focused on cooperation among Commonwealth member states, integrity and good governance, economic growth and investment, as well as the contribution of sport to social inclusion and public health. During the meeting, Koutsioundas advocated for the further strengthening of the Commonwealth Advisory Body on Sport and presented Cyprus' initiatives in the areas of good governance and athlete safeguarding.
He also proposed the creation of a Centre of Excellence on the Economic Dimension of Sport, aimed at improving the assessment of sport's contribution to the economy and encouraging investment in the sector. Koutsioundas placed particular emphasis on reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and formally integrating mental health into sports policy.
Moreover, he highlighted the need for a holistic approach that combines athlete safeguarding, mental health, and dual-career opportunities. Cyprus reaffirmed its commitment through its participation to promoting sport that is fair, safe, inclusive, and socially responsible.