Photo: Cypriot high Jumper Kyriacos Ioannou
The Cyprus Olympic Committee presented Thursday, July 12 the Olympic Team that will represent Cyprus at the Olympic Games, as well as details ofn their stay in London. It was also announced that Marcos Baghdatis would be the flag bearer for the Cyprus team at the Olympic games opening in London.
The Cyprus Olympic Team consists of 13 athletes, ten men and three women involved in seven different sports. The President of the Cyprus Olympic Committee, Mr. Ioannidis set the first goal of this year’s mission, the worthy representation of Cyprus, combining dignified presence, with the excellent behaviour of all members , as well as promoting the best possible image of our country through events planned.
Attending the event were athletes Eleni Artymata, Andreas Kariolou George Achilleos, Antonis Andreou and Andreou Panagiota. All reported that their participation in the Games is the pinnacle in the sporting careers of any athlete.
Representing the athletes George Achilleos said that they feel ready to give their best, saying they are pleased with the improvement in recent years with support of athletes through sponsorship programs.
The presentation was attended by British High Commissioner Mr. Matthew Kidd, who wished the athletes good luck in London, while thanking the KOE and KOA for the cooperation that they have had all this time with the High Commission for the best possible view of the preparation of the Games and the transition and retention of our team in London.
A film was also shown of the organizational preparations for the British capital.
At the event, the KOE honored Organizations and Companies that are part of the sponsorship program. The Main Sponsors are Bank of Cyprus, and Cyprus, OPAP, Official Sponsor of the Electricity Authority, Service sponsor Cyprus Airways and the Company PEAK, sponsor of athletic equipment.
The event ended with documentaries shown prepared by the Vice President of KOA, journalist Savvas Kosiaris on Cypriot participation in the Olympics.
Cyprus Olympics Program
As for the competition program, the 13 Cypriot athletes will compete in the following stages and dates:
Tennis: Wimbledon
1.Marcos Baghdatis: The first round will take place the weekend of July 28-29
Shooting: «Royal Artillery Barracks» (Southeast London)
2.Panagiota Andreas-Skit: July 29
3.Antonis Andreou-Skit: July 30-31, July 31 Final
4.George Achilleos-Skit: July 30-31, July 31 Final
Aquatics Centre Swimming: Olympic Park / Aquatics Centre
5.Anna Stylianou: 200. Free: Series August 30 and August 31 finals and the final
Sailing: Weymouth & Portland, southern England (200 miles from London)
6.Paul Kontides (Category Laser): There will be races from 30 July to 4 August, and if through to the the top ten ranking will compete in the Race Medal (Medal Race) on 6 August.
7. Andreas Kariolou There will be races from July 31 until August 5, and if in the top ten ranking will compete in the Race Medal (Medal Race) on 7 August.
Athletics: Olympic Park / Olympic Stadium
8.Constantine Stathelakos (Hammer Throw): On August 4 the qualifier and the final August 6.
9. Kyriakos Ioannou (high jump): On August 5 the qualifier and the final August 7.
10.Apostolos Parellis (Discus): On August 6 the qualifier and the final August 7.
11.Eleni Artymata (200): On August 6 the series of events, on August 7, the semi-finals and the final August 8.
Rhythmic Gymnastics: Wembley Arena, North West London
12. Chrystalleni Trikomiti (Advanced Individual): 9-10 August, qualifying, and August 11 in the final.
Cycling: Hadleigh Farm (Essex)
13. Marios Athanasiadis (Mountain Bike): 12 August, a direct final.
Photo above from L/R George Achilleos, Antonis Andreou, Eleni Artymata, Panayiota Andreou and Andreas Kariolou