In the presence of Education Minister Athena Michaelidou, the Nicosia Special School children’s play and exercise area was inaugurated on May 24, 2023, having been materialised with the contribution of OPAP Cyprus.
In her address to attendees, Special School Director Zacharoula Demetriou, said the playground’s benefits would add to both the children’s entertainment, as well as to the School’s educational programmes. Thanking OPAP Cyprus for its support, Demetriou shared the School’s vision for the children’s well-being and quality of life, as well as for their self-determination, independence and social inclusion.
Education Minister Michaelidou in turn expressed her satisfaction with the efforts of the Nicosia Special School, and highlighted the Ministry’s own goals of creating a safe, healthy, enjoyable and effective environment, so that every child is able to cultivate knowledge, skills and abilities to the maximum extent possible. Minister Michaelidou also expressed her thanks to OPAP Cyprus for its long-standing contribution to both the Ministry’s programmes and the State’s goals more broadly.
For his part, OPAP Cyprus CEO Demitris Aletraris referenced the Nicosia Special School’s award for its participation in Zakynthos’ prestigious ‘Make it heard 2023’ Student Radio Message and Song Contest.
“The children ensured their message was heard, as a hope for the whole world but also as an obligation of the whole world to stand by them and support their dreams,” noted CEO Aletraris.
“To support them not on the basis of their physical or biological condition, but because the right to quality of life is the right of every human being.”
This philosophy guides the actions and sensitivities of OPAP Cyprus, continued Aletraris, “which is why we spontaneously responded to the request by the School’s Director, contributing to the creation of this easy-to-use space with games and gymnastics equipment – because play and exercise are the right of every child”.
Touched by the children’s appreciation of the space, CEO Aletraris expressed his respect for the work of the Nicosia Special School, adding: “as OPAP Cyprus, today, we feel we came here not to give, but to receive. And we have received much that is precious and sincere from the love of these children.”
