Сyprus has celebrated a major milestone in inclusive sports, making its historic first-ever appearance in kayaking at the Special Olympics European Kayaking Championship.
Representing the island nation, athletes from the Kyrenia Nautical Club—a long-standing partner of the Kateryna Biloruska Foundation (KBF)—delivered a phenomenal performance, bringing home a total of six medals: 2 Gold, 1 Silver, and 3 Bronze.
Medal Breakdown
Single Kayak:
- 🥇 Gold: Giorgos Christodoulou
- 🥈 Silver: Christoforos Kosmas
- 🥉 Bronze: Marina Dimitriou
Double Kayak:
- 🥇 Gold: Christoforos Kosmas & Christoforos Konstantinidis
- 🥉 Bronze: Marina Dimitriou & Kleio Loizidou
🥉 Bronze: Giorgos Christodoulou & Sotiris Vasileio
Building Pathways for Inclusive Sports in Cyprus
This historic achievement highlights the growing impact of adaptive water sports in the region. In collaboration with the Kyrenia Nautical Club, the Kateryna Biloruska Foundation actively supports and expands inclusive kayaking initiatives across Cyprus, giving children and young people with disabilities the specialized training, equipment, and mentorship needed to thrive.
“Our mission is to create a world where every young person, regardless of their physical abilities, has equal access to the transformative power of sport,” shared the Kateryna Biloruska Foundation team. “Watching these incredible athletes step onto the European stage and win six medals in their very first championship proves that barriers disappear when opportunity and dedication meet.”
The Kateryna Biloruska Foundation extends its warmest congratulations to all the participating athletes, coaches, family members, and organizers who made this historic journey possible. Their determination, sportsmanship, and success serve as a powerful inspiration to continue pushing for a fully inclusive sporting future. 
About KBF’s Para-Kayaking Programme
Under the Para-Kayaking Programme, the Kateryna Biloruska Foundation, in collaboration with the Kyrenia Nautical Club, provides children and young people with disabilities access to regular adaptive kayaking sessions. By taking to the water, participants build physical strength, gain independence, and develop self-confidence in a supportive, fully inclusive environment. This historic European success stands as a direct testament to the power of continuous, structured training, proving how adaptive sports can remove barriers, unlock hidden potential, and turn community initiatives into international triumphs.
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