With particular success and in a climate of deep emotion, the Memory and Hope event organized by the National Achna, under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, took place on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at the Arkastis Venue in the Municipal District of Achna.
The event was attended, among others, by the President of the Republic, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, the President of the House of Representatives and President of DISY, Ms. Annita Dimitriou, leaders of parliamentary parties, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, members of parliament of the Famagusta District, the Deputy Mayors of the Municipal Districts of the Municipality of Ayia Napa, figures from the field of Sports and a host of other officials and citizens.
As pointed out by the organizers, the aim of the event is to keep alive the memory of occupied Achna and to strengthen the collective voice for the vindication, return and reunification of our homeland.
The event began with a video screening on the tragic events of 1974, written by Maria Philippou and Christopher Greco and directed by Konstantinos Kyprianidis.
This was followed by the greetings of the President of the National Achna Association, Mr. Kikis Philippou, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, and the Deputy Mayor of the Municipal District of Achna, Mr. Nikos Vasilas, while speeches were then delivered by the Emeritus Professor of the University of Cyprus, Mr. Pantelis Voutouris, and the President of the Republic, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides.
In his greeting, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, praised the importance of the event, emphasizing that Ethnikos Achna is much more than a football team, it is a symbol of resistance, unity for Achna and for the entire free Cyprus and, a beacon of hope for the new generation, a support for the youth and a point of reference for our entire society.
He referred to the historical course of the Association, which despite the difficulties of refugee status, maintains the ethos and values of sports, while remaining a living cell of society and occupied Achna.
He emphasized that the team's physical headquarters is in Achna, but today it cannot be used due to the occupation, and noted that Dasaki hosts the hope of return.
Mr. Zannetou also underlined the long-standing support of the Municipality of Ayia Napa to the National and all organized groups of the Municipality, despite the challenges of local reform, stating that Achna is a point of sensitivity and priority for the Municipality.
He spoke about the importance of social cohesion in a period of geopolitical and social challenges and pointed out that the National Anthem stands as a stable point of reference that honors history, unites society and cultivates values such as loyalty, consistency and love for the homeland.
In closing, he warmly thanked the President of the Republic, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, and the Speaker of the House, Ms. Annita Dimitriou, for their presence, as well as the President of the National Achna Party, Mr. Kikis Philippou, and all the members of the team for their timeless contribution and dedication.
The event included, among other things, the presentation of a collector's jersey to the Presidents of the Parliamentary Parties DISY, DIKO and ELAM, the presentation of the Team, the players and the coaching staff, as well as honorary awards. Specifically, Michalis Hatzimichael and Giorgos Loizou were honored for their valuable contribution to the creation of the National Anthem, while the Board of Directors honored the President of the National Achna, Mr. Kikis Philippou. The evening concluded with an artistic program by the Musical Group of Michalis Hatzimichael.
