Nicosia: The government’s goal for EuroBasket 2025 is to inspire the younger generation to follow the example of athletes who compete not only for victory but also for the promotion of sports values, said the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, addressing an official gala dinner “On the Road to FIBA EUROBASKET 2025” on Tuesday evening at the Presidential Palace.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides emphasized that hosting one of the groups of EuroBasket 2025 in Cyprus for the first time is not only a vote of confidence in the country’s ability to organize high-level events but also a sign of a strong commitment to investing in sports. Fifteen matches of the EuroBasket 2025 will be played in Limassol, Cyprus, on five different days: 28, 30, and 31 August, 2 and 4 September 2025.
The President further explained the Council of Ministers’ decision to support this significant effort by investing £15 million for the “Spyros Kyprianou” Stadium in Limassol and £2.5 million for the Cyprus Basketball Federation was primarily for the benefit of children, viewing it as an investment in the new generation. He highlighted the event’s role in promoting ideals and values such as cooperation, solidarity, and mutual understanding.
The government, through its sports policies spanning all ministries, aims to emphasize values like cooperation, mutual respect, and healthy competition. One of the main goals is to inspire the younger generation to follow the example of athletes who compete not only for victory but also for the promotion of sports values.
President Christodoulides also mentioned ongoing efforts to develop mechanisms for identifying and promoting new talents across all sports, with a key goal of making mass social sports a conscious choice and enhancing sports education. He noted that the budget for the national plan to support young athletes with prospects has been increased, and the Young Champions Programme for athletes up to 23 years old now offers increased sponsorship.
Additionally, through the National Plan for Supporting Developmental Sports, there is an investment in strengthening team and Olympic sports coaches. President Christodoulides described EuroBasket 2025 as a unique opportunity for youth, drawing parallels to Greece’s European Championship in 1987, and expressing hope that the event will inspire young people to aspire to athletic excellence and embody the power of sports in fostering community and cooperation.
Concluding, the President assured that the government will provide all necessary infrastructures and conditions for the success of this event, aiming for a unique EuroBasket. He affirmed that Cyprus will exemplify hospitality, excellence, and unity, leaving lasting positive impressions on all participants and viewers.