Larnaca, Cyprus, May 17, 2026. The Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Cyprus, Rubén Pino Martínez, attended the opening ceremony of the Cyprus Special Olympics 2026 this Sunday in the coastal city of Larnaca.
Accompanied by the Cypriot National Guard Military Band, the opening ceremony of the Cyprus National Special Games began with a parade and formation of the athletes who will compete from May 17 to 27 in various sports disciplines, coming from all over the island. The ceremony—as is traditional—was blessed by Father Mario Lemoní, representing the metropolitan of Kitio.
The official opening declaration was delivered by Andreas Vyras, Mayor of Larnaca, along with greetings from Maria Vasileiádou, President of the Board of Directors of Special Olympics, and Dr Klea Jatzistefánou Papáellina, Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, representing the President of the Republic of Cyprus.
As part of her remarks, Dr Eleni Rossídou, National Director of the Games and President of the Special Olympics Advisory Committee and its International Board of Directors for Europe/Eurasia, extended special recognition and welcome to the diplomatic representatives of Cuba and Serbia present in Larnaca for their sustained commitment and traditional support of these Cypriot national special competitions, as well as for Cuba's progress in special education and the integration of its children and young people with special needs in sporting competitions of this nature.
After the Olympic cauldron was lit by athletes Roumpína Braian and Dimitris Christofí, the Games flag was raised, and the Cypriot national anthem was sung, Christos Kasoulidis, representing all the participating athletes, affirmed their commitment and exceptional dedication to this edition of the Special Olympics Cyprus 2026.
A celebration of sport, which concluded with a song of peace and joy performed by the talented Cypriot artist Konstantinos Mijailoudis.
Embassy of Cuba in Cyprus.