A protocol of sports cooperation between the Cyprus Sports Organisation (KOA) and the Greek General Secretariat for Sports was signed during a special event at the KOA headquarters in Nicosia on Tuesday by its President, Clea Hadjistephanou Papaellina and Deputy Minister of Culture and Sports of Greece, Stavros Kontonis.

Speaking during the ceremony, Papaellina said that the protocol solidifies the excellent relations between the two countries and will be beneficial for both sides.

She thanked the Greek government for its support towards Cyprus and assured that the organisation will fully exploit the protocol of sports cooperation which is very important for both countries.

On his part, Kontonis said that cooperation between the two countries has always been important. He said it was the first time a two-year protocol was signed, adding the problems are clearly not national. They are problems that concern the state and subsequently European issues, such as violence, corruption in professional sports and doping which concern the international community and should also be dealt in a serious manner by the EU.

Kontonis said there is identity of views with the Cyprus Sports Organisation regarding the handling of these problems.
The protocol provides for exchange of training camps, participation in international sports events in track and field, shooting, volleyball, weightlifting, cycling, wrestling, archery, boxing, badminton and skiing.

There is also an updated provision concerning sports journalists.

Regarding mass sports, it was said they have agreed to encourage the exchange of knowledge and information on the marketing strategies of the “Sports for all” programme.

The cost of the protocol is estimated around 150 thousand euros.