With the slogan "I swim in winter too", more than 376 winter swimmers from all over Cyprus and abroad participated in the 2nd International Ayia Napa Winter Swimming Festival", which was co-organized on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at the beach "Makronisos", the Municipality of Ayia Napa and the Ayia Napa Winter Swimming Club, in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Shipping, Ms. Marina Hatzimanoli and the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou.
Also present were the Deputy Mayors of the Municipal Districts of the Municipality of Ayia Napa Avgorou, Sotiras Liopetriou, Ayia Napa and Achna, Mr. Panagis Michaelas, Antonis Koumis, Markos Koumis, Antonis Christou and Nikos Vasilas, who participated in the jury in the competition held for the best work of art from Ammos.
In her greeting, Deputy Minister of Shipping Ms. Marina Hatzimanoli, after expressing her pleasure and heartfelt thanks for the invitation, stated that such initiatives are what show the quality and culture we have in our country.
He assured that the Government and the Deputy Ministry of Shipping will stand by the Group so that "next year we will be able to take the now international festival abroad so that as many people as possible can get to know this huge initiative."
"Without you, the volunteers, who are the backbone of all this great work that took place today, it would not have been possible and the fact that you gathered today from all over Cyprus shows that there is no competition between you but that you show that you love what you do."
He also referred to the joint actions that can be taken through the marine pollution committee that was established this year following the decision of the Council of Ministers and is under the supervision of the Deputy Ministry of Shipping so as to promote and protect the marine wealth of our country.
Surprised by the presence of many children, she said that in order to acquire culture and love the sea, it is only through children that we feel optimistic that there will be continuity.
In his greeting, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Christos Zannetou, congratulated the Ayia Napa Winter Swimmers' Club for its initiative to start this effort two years ago after the Municipality created the Club's headquarters, which was made possible through collective effort.
Through this collective effort, he said, in a short period of time we saw these actions, and especially this Festival, being embraced by people from all over Cyprus and abroad, which is why this year it has become International.
"I welcome this with great pleasure and it is our obligation to highlight the beauties of our country and to support what our residents and fellow citizens are seeking, and what happened today is not just today, since winter swimmers are daily swimmers who swim from six in the morning, it is a part that complements not only the experience but also the quality and standard of living."
In closing, Mr. Christos Zannetou said that events like today's need everyone's support since such images will travel through the media all over the world, showcasing the ideal weather conditions of our country during the winter season, which, he said, will contribute to the extension of the tourist season. He also assured the Municipality's continued support for the Winter Swimmers' Association.
Mr. Andreas Larkou, President of the Ayia Napa Winter Swimmers' Association, thanked the Municipality of Ayia Napa and especially the Mayor, Mr. Christos Zannetou, who embraced the effort from the very beginning, as he said, and is participating as a co-organizer, while he also expressed his thanks to the Deputy Minister of Shipping, Mrs. Marina Hatzimanoli, who honored the event with her presence, as well as the Famagusta Regional Tourism Authority for its respectful financial assistance, the RIK as the communication sponsor, the other sponsors, the participating swimmers, among whom it should be noted were the Mayor, Mr. Christos Zannetou, and the Deputy Mayor of Achna, Mr. Nikos Vasilas.
Mrs. Nora Hadjisotiriou, President of the Organizing Committee, in her greeting, thanked by name all those who contributed to the successful outcome of the Festival, while also pointing out that the success of any organization is based on the cooperation of many factors.
The program included a speech by Mrs. Maria Ioannou on the topic "The Benefits of Winter Swimming", Tai Chi exercise, a game for children, a SUP demonstration and a Sand Art Competition.
Finally, the three oldest winter swimmers, the oldest of whom was 89 years old, and the three youngest, the youngest a 5-year-old girl, were awarded commemorative plaques, as well as the four best works created in the sand by children.
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