In the presence of President Nikos Christodoulides, the Archbishop of Cyprus, Mr Georgiou and many state officials and prominent personalities, OPAP Cyprus celebrated its 55th year in Cyprus. The ceremony took place on November 28, 2024 at the Ceremonial Hall of the Pancyprian Gymnasium.

“This milestone is very important for us and for our deep connection with the country,” said OPAP Cyprus Board of Directors Chairman Camille Ziegler in his address. “OPAP Cyprus is a vibrant and integral component of the economy, a pillar of entrepreneurship and a benchmark for social contribution.”

Speaking in Greek, and reinforcing his statement with data, Chairman Ziegler noted that, over the last 20 years, public revenues from OPAP Cyprus’ activities have exceeded €350 million, while winnings of Cypriot players amount to approximately €2.5 billion!

“Most importantly,” continued Ziegler, “OPAP Cyprus has allocated almost €70 million for investments and projects for the benefit of Cypriot citizens, responding to basic social needs. With initiatives worth tens of millions in the areas of Health, Sports, Education and Culture, we are actively standing by society – and especially the young generation, Cyprus’ most valuable asset.”

Referring to the new 15-year contract that OPAP Cyprus has signed with the Republic, Chairman Ziegler described it as historic. “With mutual respect, this development allows us to continue to build on the legacy of OPAP Cyprus, to seize new development and business opportunities and to continue to create value for this wonderful place in many ways,” he said.

In closing, he reiterated OPAP Cyprus’ commitment to the island’s state and society. “Our new flagship social projects will further strengthen our excellent partnership with the Republic of Cyprus, as well as our role as a responsible corporate citizen,” he said.

‘State’s most consistent and powerful ally’

In his own address, President Christodoulides noted that steadfastness, responsibility, trustworthiness and, above all, honesty characterised the overall and long-standing behavior of OPAP Cyprus, seeing it invest solidly in its relationship with the citizens of the country and Cypriot society in general.

“I must acknowledge that in our important plans, OPAP Cyprus participates as the most consistent and strongest ally of the State. Its people-centred philosophy, as consistently expressed for 55 years now, meets ours. It is a favourable meeting for the country, through which we can plan and implement together programmes relating to Health, Culture, Education and, of course, Sport,” said President Christodoulides.

In particular, the President praised the dedication of OPAP Cyprus to the most sensitive sector, Health. He stressed that the modern equipment and cutting-edge technologies with which public hospitals’ services have been upgraded are largely due to the support of OPAP Cyprus. He also referenced the island’s Breast Cancer Screening Programme, implemented at five Mammography Centres and covering the needs of local women across the government-controlled areas of the island, whose modern mammography machines were a contribution of OPAP Cyprus.

In closing, President Christodoulides agreed that the renewed partnership with OPAP-Cyprus would continue to operate on the basis of mutual respect, ensuring significant revenues for the State budget and financial resources for public benefit.

Professor Kypros Nicolaides honoured

Meanwhile, the human-centred philosophy of OPAP Cyprus was the focus of company CEO Alexandros Davos’ address. “Our goal is to help the young people — the scientific, academic and sporting potential of Cyprus — to realise their potential and offer a perspective to the country. On this basis, we look to the future with optimism, invest in social projects and support actions with tangible benefits for Cypriot citizens,” he said.

CEO Davos noted that all of OPAP Cyprus’ actions are evaluated and prioritised responsibly, based on existing needs and challenges facing the island’s society. He also assured that, with respect to the people of Cyprus, OPAP would continue to cooperate sincerely with the State and with recognised organisations that had Health at the heart of their actions. With this in mind, he announced an honourary award to Kypros Nicolaides, Professor of Fetal Medicine at King’s College and University College London.

Paphos-born, Greek-Cypriot maternal and fetal medicine expert and pioneer, Professor Nicolaides is recognised worldwide for fetal diagnostic, intervention and surgery developments.

“We owe him a big ‘thank you’,” said CEO Davos, because, “in addition to his world-renowned scientific efforts, he responds promptly and enthusiastically each time we invite him to participate in OPAP Cyprus programmes”.

In turn, and accepting his award via a remote address, Professor Nicolaides congratulated OPAP Cyprus for its 55 productive years in Cyprus. Addressing the President, Professor Nicolaides urged his administration continue to invest in health initiatives. “Make the most of the mood and support that OPAP Cyprus provides to the health and social assistance programmes of the State, and give the people of the country the sweetest smile – the smile of life!” he urged.

There were smiles at the ceremony hall of the Pancyprian High School too, thanks to the performance of students from the School’s music department. Under the orchestration and direction of Dr Christos Stavrinides, students expressed their talent and highlighted the value of such music departments, also supported by OPAP Cyprus.