President Demetris Christofias decorated on Friday Cypriot Olympic silver medalist Pavlos Kontides with the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Cyprus.

Addressing an official ceremony at the presidential palace in the presence of state, political and sports officials as well as Kontides’ family, President Christofias said Kontides had lifted on his shoulders the people of Cyprus, adding that his success has given a boost to Cyprus’ morale at a difficult time.

“Allow us to share with you and your family the great joy of this success”, he said, addressing Kontides.

The young athlete, he noted, has made everyone proud, proving that a small country like Cyprus has the potential for high achievements in the global sports arena.

The government, President Christofias added, will stand by Kontides and all Cypriot athletes through the Cyprus Sports Organisation.  

He thanked all Cypriot athletes competing in the London Olympics.

On his part Kontides expressed his thanks and promised to continue working hard.

The Cypriot Olympic silver medalist called on all young people to take up sports.

“If all young people take up sport, then the whole society can change”, he said.

In statements after the ceremony, he said Cyprus has great potential in sport which needs to be harnessed.

Later this evening, the authorities of his hometown, Limassol, will organise an official welcome ceremony for Kontides.

The 22-year old Limassolian secured the silver medal with 59 penalty points, behind Australia`s Tom Slingsby with 43 penalty points who took the gold, and Sweden`s Rasmus Myrgren in third place with 72 penalty points.

Pavlos Kontides won two consecutive World Youth Sailing Championships in Kingston Britain in 2007 and Aarhus Denmark in 2008. His first Olympic Games participation was in Beijing in 2008 where he finished 13th in Men’s Laser.

In 2011 he finished 5th in Men’s Sailing Championship and first in Youth Sailing Championship in Hayling Island. He secured his participation in the London Olympics in the 2011 World Sailing Championship in Perth, Australia.

Cyprus, an island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, started taking part in the modern-day Olympics as an independent nation at the 1980 Moscow Games.