In a simple ceremony that took place on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at the Environmental Information and Education Center (EPC) Kavo Greko, the Municipality of Paralimni - Deryneia, to the Department of Forestry, granted four (4) special wheelchairs with hand levers for use by people with mobility problems in Cabo Greco National Forest Park.
The wheelchairs were received by the Director of the Forestry Department, Dr. Savvas Ezekiel, from the Mayor of Paralimni - Deryneia, Mr. Giorgos Nicolettos. Present at the event were the Deputy Mayor of the Frenarous District, Mr. Kostas Michael, the President of the Paraplegic Organization, Mr. Dimitris Lambrianidis, as well as from the Municipality of Paralimni - Deryneia, the Municipal Secretary, Mrs. Gabriela Gavriil, the Beach Inspector, Mr. Giorgos Oikonomou, the Supervisor of the Green Department, Mr. Avraam Sourkounis and the Head of Beach Workers, Mr. Christos Spanassiis.
The wheelchairs will be located at KPEE Kavo Greko and those interested are invited to contact KPEE Kavo Greko (tel. 23814412) for more information about their allocation and use.
The Director of the Forestry Department, Dr. Savvas Ezekiel thanked the Mayor of Paralimni - Deryneia, Mr. Giorgos Nicolettos, for this kind concession and stated that this act is primarily symbolic and that society urges us in this direction.
Continuing, he mentioned that the Forestry Department will respond and expand the project so that there is a substantial contribution to the society. The cooperation of the Forestry Department, he said, with the various agencies and especially with the Paraplegic Organization of Cyprus will be expanded, with the modernization of the infrastructure of the Department, for accessibility in all Forest Recreation areas. He also mentioned that the Forestry Department, in collaboration with the Cyprus Paraplegics Organization and other agencies, is preparing a program to secure funding. He also emphasized that in these matters as well, the Department of Forestry has the undivided support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment and the Minister herself personally.
The Mayor of Paralimni - Deryneia, Mr. Giorgos Nikolettos, stated the readiness of the Municipality for continuous contribution to society and to our fellow human beings and that the cooperation that exists with the Department of Forestry and with the Organization of Paraplegics of Cyprus will continue and be expanded.
The President of the Organization of Paraplegics Mr. Dimitris Lambrianidis expressed the satisfaction of the Organization and his warm thanks to both the Department of Forestry and the Municipality of Paralimni - Deryneia. He also stated that the meeting is a milestone in improving the accessibility of forests to people with disabilities. He also recognized the important role that both the Forestry Department and the Municipalities and Communities have to play for this purpose. He also did not fail to congratulate the Department of Forestry for the operation of the Cabo Greco Environmental Information and Education Center which is friendly to people with mobility problems.
At the end, Mr. Dimitris Lambrianidis invited the Director of the Forestry Department for a walk in the area with the use of special wheelchairs, which took place.