President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades has said that the Special Olympics of 2015 were a great event that symbolized solidarity, love for our fellow man and managed to promote the Olympic Spirit of “fair play” and the values of peaceful coexistence, friendship and cooperation between peoples.

The President of the Republic made the remark during a lunch he hosted in honour of the participants in the Special Olympics, in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Culture and Sports of Greece, Stavros Kontonis.

He said that these messages are important because we are in an area which needs more than ever peace and security.

The nature of our national problem in Cyprus requires understanding the concerns of the people, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, in order to create a homeland that will guarantee cooperation and prospect for the future.

The President said that sports are a crucial foundation in building education, understanding and cooperation.

Cyprus participated with 44 athletes in the Special Olympics who managed to win 13 gold, 16 silver and 12 bronze medals.

President Anastasiades also welcomed the signing of a protocol of cooperation in Sports matters between Cyprus and Greece.