University of Cyprus and Special Olympics Cyprus: together for Equality and Social Inclusion

The University of Cyprus (UCY) and Special Olympics Cyprus (SOC) signed on 22 January 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding, aiming to promote research, education and social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities. The signing of the memorandum marks the beginning of a multidimensional and innovative collaboration, which not only promotes the athletic development and social integration of people with intellectual disabilities, but also strengthens solidarity, inclusion and equality in society.

The Rector of the University of Cyprus, Professor Tasos Christofides, in a statement noted: “The signing of this Memorandum highlights the commitment of the University of Cyprus to social solidarity and inclusion. Collaborations such as this strengthen the social profile of our University and are an integral part of its mission. Together, we are laying the foundations for a world with equal opportunities for all.”

The President of the Board of Directors of Special Olympics Cyprus, Ms. Maria Vassiliadou, stated: ““Dear Mr. Rector, on behalf of the SOC and representing the members of the Board, the coaches, the members of the Federation, the parents, the families but especially our athletes, I assure you that this collaboration will open new paths and broaden the horizons of our activities. The multi-level support of the University of Cyprus, through the provision of knowledge and expertise, will constitute a new arm on which we will rely, to continue offering a variety of actions so that people with intellectual disabilities have as many opportunities for sports as possible. Sports are the pinnacle of employment options for the development of every person, but in the case of people with intellectual disabilities, the need becomes even more urgent because, beyond exercise, it paves the way for inclusion, participation, socialisation, and self-esteem.”

The Memorandum includes a multitude of areas of cooperation, such as with the Medical School, the Department of Psychology, the Department of Social and Political Sciences, and the Department of Educational Sciences. It provides for the participation of students in voluntary actions of the SOC, aiming at awareness and social integration. In addition, it includes the employment of athletes of the Federation in UCY, as well as the placement of students and new graduates in jobs and projects related to the SOC.

Source: University of Cyprus | Latest news (https://shorturl.at/YOwAn)