Cypriot actor, Costas Vichas, received on Saturday the 2020 European Citizen award, during a ceremony that took place in Limassol Town Hall.

Cyprus has had the privilege of two winners this year considering that no more than 50 Prizes are given across EU member states each year. The same European Citizen’s Prize medal was awarded during a separate ceremony held earlier on Saturday in Nicosia to another distinguished Cypriot, the founder of the Social Mediation in Action (ICLAIM) program, Professor Stephanie Shaelou.
 
Vichas in his address thanked all those who supported his nomination, noting that the award highlights the fact that there are people in Cyprus who are famishing, something that needs to be acknowledged, as he noted. “Let`s join our hands and get stronger in order to be able to offer,” he added. Vichas also warmly thanked citizens who financially support and help his task. 

On his part, Head of the European Parliament`s office in Cyprus, Andreas Kettis, expressed joy that the ceremony took place in Limassol where Vichas helped people in need.

Cypriot MEP, George Georgiou, who had nominated Vichas, said that the actor offers help to people who are homeless, jobless and to thousands of poor families all over Cyprus, something which was intensified after the COVID-19 pandemic broke out.  Cypriot MEPs Loukas Fourlas, Costas Mavrides and Demetris Papadakis also praised Vichas` activity.

Limassol Mayor, Nicos Nicolaides said that Costas Vichas honours the town of Limassol and Cyprus in its whole and that this is an award for his contribution and humanitarian aid to all those who are in need.