Good evening,
Honourable Deputy Minister of Social Welfare,
Honourable President of the Cyprus Sports Organisation,
Honourable President of Limassol District Local Government Organisation,
Honourable Mayor of Polemidia,
Honourable Deputy Mayor of Agios Athanasios Municipality,
Honourable Assistant Chief of Police of Cyprus,
Distinguished guests,
Thank you warmly for joining us at today’s event, which marks the beginning of a vision born from a simple yet profound belief:
that real change in society does not happen by chance — it is created when we support people.
Societies are not transformed by isolated acts, but by conscious choices and steadfast commitment.
They change:
- when we create opportunities
- when we strengthen education
- when we promote sport as a vehicle for values and well-being
- when we protect human dignity and create conditions for progress for all
Every society moves forward not only through policies or economic indicators, but through the strength of its people, the values that uphold it, and the institutions that shape it.
It moves forward when it gives opportunities to those with potential, when it supports those in need, and when it ensures that no one is left behind.
What matters is recognising the value of every individual and creating the conditions that allow each person to develop their potential and contribute actively to the greater good.
Because when you support one person, you do not only change their path — you change the course of a family, a community, and an entire society.
This belief formed the foundation for the creation of the ENA Foundation, an organisation with a clear institutional identity and strategic direction, operating as a modern and independent social development body with long-term planning.
The Foundation is an initiative of Mr Tasos Papanastasiou, who, with a deep belief in social responsibility and the power of meaningful contribution, envisioned an organisation that would actively help shape a better and more humane society.
From the outset, his approach was different — he did not seek to create yet another “conventional” charitable organisation, something that in fact fully reflects his nature and character.
Instead, his goal was to shape a modern model of social contribution — one that goes beyond fragmented assistance and introduces a new philosophy of social intervention.
Also instrumental has been the contribution of Ms Christiana Panayi, who, with courage, sensitivity, and vision, proved that even one individual can spark meaningful change.
Through her own work, she mobilised people, built networks of solidarity, and stood beside families in need, highlighting the power of collective action and practical compassion.
Together, the Founders laid the foundations of the ENA Foundation, an organisation that aspires to turn vision into action and intention into results.
Guided by this vision, the Foundation promotes a modern model of social contribution based on strategy, transparency, and cooperation between private initiative, institutions, and civil society — with the aim of building a more resilient, more inclusive, and more sustainable society.
Its work is organised around five main pillars:
- Education and health
- Sport and dual career
- Social cohesion and support for vulnerable groups
- Environment and public space
- Culture and creativity
The ENA Foundation’s programmes form the core of our work.
In this context, allow me to briefly refer to the main pillars of our programmes.
The Beyond the Medal programme reflects our commitment to the future by investing in athletes who can represent Cyprus at the highest level — both on and off the field of competition.
We provide holistic and long-term support to athletes who are also pursuing their studies, with a view to participation in international competitions and a strong presence at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
During the first cycle of the programme, in cooperation with the Cyprus Sports Organisation, up to €360,000 will be allocated by 2028 to support eight distinguished athletes who are also pursuing higher education.
Many of them are here with us today, and you will no doubt recognise them — and those you do not yet know, I am certain you will come to know very soon through their achievements.
For 2026, we are moving forward with the new cycle of the programme, in which new athletes will be included and additional funding will be allocated to further strengthen this effort. At the same time, an awareness campaign is being planned on the importance of the dual-career path.
Because success in sport is not only about medals — it is about the people behind them.
The Connect for Change programme aims to empower Cypriot society through the funding of projects implemented by local organisations.
Its first cycle attracted more than 40 applications and is already supporting initiatives that:
- enhance accessibility for persons with disabilities
- create model participatory spaces for children, with children themselves taking an active role
- promote green female entrepreneurship in rural areas
The Open Canvas programme falls under the pillar of Culture and Creativity and aims to strengthen artistic expression and cultural creation.
In this context, the Foundation is providing meaningful support to artist Antigoni Baxton, in relation both to her professional journey and to her participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, where she will represent our country.
This initiative aims both to secure a strong presence and visibility for Cyprus in this major international event and to highlight a new artistic voice.
Through the Envision Together programme, the Foundation contributes to the creation and upgrading of public spaces with social benefit.
Donations have already been made for the creation and enhancement of two public parks, with the aim of offering modern, accessible, and high-quality spaces for all.
At the same time, major projects are being set in motion for the creation of new green areas, playgrounds, and sports facilities, which will enhance citizens’ quality of life, promote health and well-being, and encourage young people to participate in sport and creative activity.
The Iris’ Star programme — inspired by the light and hope symbolised by Iris — actively supports vulnerable groups, especially children and families experiencing particularly difficult circumstances, through partnerships with foundations and approved organisations, such as:
— schools and municipalities, where “love vouchers” have long been provided for our fellow citizens in need.
— BeBrave, in support of children with cancer and their families, where substantial support was provided for the renovation of the playroom at the Paediatric Oncology Unit, creating a space of joy and psychological support for children fighting a difficult battle every day.
— One Dream, One Wish, through which funding was provided for a trip to Disneyland for children fighting their own battles, offering them moments of carefree joy, hope, and strength.
For these children and their families, such experiences are not merely an excursion — they are a breath of life. Because even a single moment of joy can provide strength for a lifetime.
For this purpose, an amount of €100,000 has been approved for the current year to continue and strengthen these initiatives.
As part of this programme, at the conclusion of my speech, we will present a particularly significant donation from our Foundation, amounting to more than €2 million, for the construction of a modern Education and Activity Centre for children with autism, in cooperation with the Pancyprian Association for People with Autism.
This is a project that, after years of waiting, hardship, and concern on the part of the Association, is now becoming a reality through our contribution.
Honourable Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, we recognise the State’s support for the Association for People with Autism, and we hope for the continuation and further strengthening of these efforts in relation to the operation of the Centre, which will be built entirely by the Foundation.
At the same time, I would also like to take this opportunity to make a sincere appeal to the State for a review of the existing framework governing crowdfunding. The ability of every citizen to contribute, even with the smallest amount they can offer, to the implementation of social projects and the support of vulnerable groups, is a modern and meaningful form of social contribution.
We believe that adapting the legislation in this direction can unlock significant forces of solidarity and enable more people to participate actively in creating a better tomorrow — allowing everyone to experience the value of giving and of compassion.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The ENA Foundation was not created simply to provide help —
it was created to empower.
- To give people the strength to move forward
- To give ideas the strength to become reality
- To give society the strength to evolve
Because when you invest in a person, you change a life.
When you invest in a community, you change the future.
And when you invest in those in need, you shape the tomorrow of an entire society.
Because in the end, everything begins with one — and in difficult times, we become ONE.
Thank you.