Financial support of more than €350,000 over three years, strengthening their journey to the top
ENA Foundation, the new social contribution foundation that began its activities in 2025, is putting its vision into practice for a society that progresses through collaboration, empowerment, and giving, by announcing the inclusion of eight Olympic- and Paralympic-level champions in the “Beyond the Medal” programme. Through this pioneering programme, the eight champions will receive total financial support of more than €350,000 over the next three years, with the aim of strengthening both their sporting journey and their educational and professional development.
In cooperation with the Cyprus Sports Organization (KOA), the champions selected to participate in the programme through a specific process are: Marios Georgiou (Artistic Gymnastics), Milan Trajkovic (Athletics), Konstantina Georgiou (Cycling), Markos Kontopoulos (Shooting), Marilena Makri (Sailing / ILCA 6), Andreas Beros (Para-athletics), Natasa Lappa (Windsurfing), and Iosif Kesidis (Hammer Throw).
Running until 2028, “Beyond the Medal”, the first programme of its kind for Cypriot sport, actively promotes the idea of a “dual career,” supporting Cyprus’s male and female champions who have prospects of participating in the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Through its support, the programme helps champions acquire the tools and knowledge they need to make a smooth and successful transition from their sporting career to their professional path, while at the same time actively supporting them in their athletic journey by providing them with the means to continue developing and striving for the top.
The support includes a comprehensive framework of empowerment, with educational assistance (coverage of tuition fees, accommodation, and study-related expenses, as well as guidance on combining sport and education), as well as athletic support through high-level guidance, access to specialized facilities, and scientific support (nutrition, physiotherapy, psychology), together with coverage for equipment and travel for international competitions.
The selection of participants was made on the basis of three main criteria: sporting performance, academic progress, and socio-economic status, ensuring that the support will be directed to athletes who demonstrate consistency, potential, and genuine need. The Evaluation Committee included representatives from the ENA Foundation, the Cyprus Sports Organization (KOA), the Cyprus Olympians Association (KESOA), former Olympic-level champions, as well as representatives from the University of Nicosia, European University, and Frederick University.
“Beyond the Medal is an investment in people who, through their talent and dedication, inspire us to see the power of consistency, effort, and hope. For the ENA Foundation, supporting these champions is not limited to today; it is a commitment to help them build a future with prospects and lasting value,” said Constantinos Kkailis, one of the Foundation’s coordinators.
Commenting on the “Beyond the Medal” programme, the President of the Cyprus Sports Organization, Mr. Yiannis Ioannou, stated: “The programme has special significance, as it is addressed to male and female champions who combine their increased sporting obligations with their studies and academic training. We consider this dual path extremely important, and for this reason the Cyprus Sports Organization actively supports, encourages, and promotes the Dual Career of our athletes.”
The purpose of the ENA Foundation is to empower society through actions focused on three main pillars: the individual, groups, and the wider public. The Foundation’s approach is based on the idea of a social pyramid, where change begins with the individual and extends collectively to society as a whole.
- The individual: Through the “Beyond the Medal” programme, the Foundation supports male and female champions, strengthening both their athletic journey and their educational and professional development.
- Groups: Through the “Grants for Change” programme, the Foundation supports Cypriot non-profit organizations by providing funding for actions that promote social empowerment and the inclusion of vulnerable groups.
- The wider public: Through “Envision Together,” the Foundation promotes the creation and upgrading of public spaces, strengthening social interaction and the collective experience.
Every initiative of the ENA Foundation is practical proof that change is not a distant concept, but a journey that begins with one person, one act, one community. Because change starts with ONE and becomes reality when we make it happen together.
