Enosis Neon Paralimni FC celebrated its 90th anniversary with an event in Ayia Napa on Friday evening, during which President Nikos Christodoulides made the club a donation of €30,000 to mark the occasion.

Speaking at the event, Christodoulides said Paralimni has always produced talented players, who made “the whole of Cyprus proud”.

The president said it was necessary to invest in the club’s academies.

“That is where we should invest – personally, I am irritated when I go to watch my team and in many cases it has 11 foreign footballers,” he said. 

Christodoulides added that Paralimni and the district as a whole were high on the government’s agenda regarding sports infrastructure. 

He said that since he was elected, upgrades have begun on Tasos Markou football stadium, which are to be followed by accessibility for disabled people, better lighting and the replacement of broken seats.

Furthermore, he added, training facilities were being promoted at Paralimni’s new technical school, as well as repairs at other school grounds.

The president said beach volley areas were being rebuilt in Protaras and a regional swimming pool and padel courts were in the pipeline.

Christodoulides announced the government’s donation at the end of his speech.

“I announce the donation of €30,000 from the government, which could become €50,000 if the Cyprus Football Association president increases his donation from €5,000 to €20,000,” the president joked. 

Paralimni is currently 14th in the Cypriot first division.