AKEL initiatives to support amateur sports
Statement by the Sports Affairs Bureau of the C.C. of AKEL regarding the online discussion on the problems of amateur sports during the pandemic
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 16th January 2021, Nicosia
A successful online discussion on the problems amateur sports are facing during the period of the pandemic took place. The discussion gave the opportunity to those involved in amateur sports to highlight the difficulties and problems they face, but also to submit proposals and suggestions for their solution.
Keynote speakers in the discussion included Giorgos Loucaides, Parliamentary Representative and member of the Political Bureau of AKEL, Andreas Michailides, President of the Cyprus Sports Organisation (KOA) Giorgos Chrysostomou President of the Cyprus Olympic Committee (KOE) and Marinos Timotheou, President of the Confederation of Local Federations of Cyprus (STOK).
Yiorgos Loucaides, in his own intervention, referred to the important social work carried out by amateur sports, giving young people the opportunity for sports and healthy recreation. He highlighted the problems faced by amateur sports over time, which have multiplied during the pandemic, with the result that those involved in amateur sports are fighting for their very survival to keep their clubs and associations going. In addition, G.Loucaides stressed that the government and especially the Cyprus Sports Organisation (KOA) must provide immediate support to amateur sports with emergency financial assistance, as the revenues of amateur sports clubs have declined sharply due to the pandemic, while their economic obligations remain unchanged. Finally, he referred to the contradictory measures that have led to the suspension of almost all sports activities of amateur sports at both the team and individual level.
The President of KOA Andreas Michailides stressed that amateur sports are among the priorities of KOA, with almost daily discussions to solve the problems. He stated that the KOA has decided to give an extraordinary grant of 410,000 euros for amateur sports. From 1st March to 31st August, sports organizations will not be charged by the KOA for the use of sports facilities (excluding soccer fields) and as of 1st September until the end of 2021 they will be charged at 50% of the usual price. He noted that contacts have been made with epidemiologists on protocols in sports, which will continue. The KOA is in constant contact with both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education.
The President of the Cyprus Olympic Committee (KOE) Giorgos Chrysostomou, in his own intervention, noted that through amateur sports champions emerge. He referred to timeless problems, such as lack of infrastructures and the issue of staffing. The pandemic has exacerbated the economic problem, while the suspension of the operation of sports creates dangers, especially as regards children, of turning to activities other than sports. Contradictory measures and disagreements between the experts/scientists have led many not to trust the measures that have been taken on the pandemic. Proper information and consultation is demanded, so that the KOE can guide and inform its federations. He stressed that the KOE is ready to take on a coordinating role, in consultation with the KOA and the federations, for proposals in each specific sport separately. In closing, he underlined the need for financial and psychological support of athletes.
The President of STOK Marinos Timotheou stated that the pandemic has had a negative effect on football. The suspension of the operation in the selected category of STOK and in rural football was decided without seeking the opinion of STOK. Letters were sent to the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, without any response so far. Efforts are being made with the Cyprus Football Federation to restart the leagues, however with the new measures taken there are concerns about the definitive suspension of the championships, with all the negative consequences that would imply. The clubs have no income during the pandemic and the state must immediately support the clubs of the selected category of STOK and rural football.
The participants in the online discussion in their interventions referred to the problems being generated to amateur sports due to the restrictive measures to confront the pandemic.
AKEL, listening to the cry of agony of those involved in amateur sports, has undertaken initiatives from the first moment to solve problems and support amateur sports, so that it can continue to carry out its important service to society.
