OPAP Cyprus presents 2020-22 social actions

At an event held on May 29, 2023 at THOC’s New Stage, attended by President Nikos Christodoulides and OPAP Group CEO Jan Karas, OPAP Cyprus presented its 2020-22 Corporate Responsibility accomplishments.

Internationally-renowned Cypriot baritone, Kyros Patsalides opened the event with a rendition of “I love you because you’re beautiful”, a song that perfectly expressed OPAP Cyprus’ social actions over the past three difficult years.

“The responsible attitude of OPAP Cyprus towards Cypriot society, over time and during the pandemic period in particular, was not and is not dictated by institutional procedures or corporate obligations,” said OPAP CEO Dimitris Aletraris in his address. “It is interpreted by our sincere and genuine desire to remain the strong ally of Cypriot society.”

Referencing OPAP Cyprus’ philosophy of action over the last three years, CEO Aletraris proposed the protection of social health and safety, cooperation with the State to identify and prioritise needs, especially in the health sector, and the continuation of OPAP’s support of the areas of health, culture, education, sports and society, which have been most impacted by the pandemic.

“We have steadfastly marched by the people of the country, allies in their efforts to cope with the problems and upheavals of the last three years,” concluded CEO Aletraris, assuring that OPAP Cyprus would, responsibly and reliably, continue to support society, for a better tomorrow for the island.

For his part, President Christodoulides expressed his gratitude to OPAP Cyprus, making special reference to a series of actions, particularly in the health sector, “at a time when social needs are more acute, reinforce the plans and programmes of the State”. Describing OPAP Cyprus as an ally of Cypriot society in all sectors, President Christodoulides expressed confidence the company would continue to respond to the needs of Cypriots in the same spirit of sincerity and responsibility.

Addressing attendees virtually, founder and chairman of The Fetal Medicine Foundation Professor Kypros Nicolaides, hailed, in particular, the actions of OPAP Cyprus targeted at health. “I support initiatives that aim to improve the quality of life of our fellow human beings, and to give dreams and perspective to our youth – because our young people are the future of our country and we have to create the healthiest environment for them,” noted Professor Nicolaides. He himself is a participant in OPAP Cyprus’ “GREAT! Just Like You” scheme, through which young people are exposed to sport, culture, science and education role models.

In his own address at the event, another participant in the scheme, Cyprus Olympic champion Pavlos Kontides thanked OPAP Cyprus for the strong support it has consistently provided to him and the Cypriot Olympic team. “We are grateful” said Kontides, emphasising the multifaceted contribution of OPAP Cyprus to society as a whole.

Also present at the event were Cypriot sporting champions Milan Trajkovic, Andri Eleftheriou, Antri Christoforou, Constantina Nikolaou, Alexandros Poursanidis and Ilias Georgiou.

On a more artistic note, having returned from performing in Vienna, Cypriot baritone Patsalides, performed before attendees to great applause. Baritone Patsalides, who also participates in OPAP Cyprus’ “GREAT! Just Like You” programme, congratulated the company for its action, stressing the importance of supporting youth and their love of arts and music, expressed through ethics, seriousness and teamwork.

Journalist Savvas Koshiaris was the event’s presenter, with an audience made up of health, social welfare, culture, education and sports stakeholders.