Cyprus-Forum.com

[DT.]

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009- ... 472452.htm

NICOSIA, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Cyprus President Demetris Christofias opened the 13th Games of Small States of Europe (GSSE) in Nicosia Monday night at a ceremony featuring the sun and sea of the eastern Mediterranean island state.

Over 1,000 athletes from eight small Euroeapn countries -- Andorra, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Malta, San Marino and Cyprus are taking part in the biyearly sports event this week.

They will compete in 12 sports, including track and field, basketball, volleyball, beach volleyball, gymnastics, judo, mountain bike, sailing, shooting, swimming, tennis and table tennis.

President of the Organizing Committee and head of the Cyprus Olympic Committee, Ouranios Ioannides, expressed his hope that the event will enhance intercultural relationships among athletes and fans of participating countries.

Calling the games a "Ceremony of Youth", Ioannides believed that all the athletes and their supporters will send messages of civilization, coexistence, appreciation and a common goal for a brighter future.

Patrick Hickey, President of the European Olympic Committe, expressed his certainty for a fantastic event "in this marvellous island, with such a rich heritage.

"These games are important, because they emphasize the Olympic spirit of the athletes," he said.

The sun, sea and nature of Cyprus were the focal point of the opening ceremony, laced with music and dance inspired from Cyprus' artistic heritage. Some 2,000 children, folk dancers and choir singers took part in the artistic part of the ceremony.

Mario Frangoulis, the renowned Greek tenor, performed "Voyage to the Horizon", the theme song of the 13th GSSE.

The first GSSE was held in San Marino in 1985. All the participating countries must have a population of under one million and have an autonomous National Olympic Committee that is recognized by the International Olympic Committee.

[denizaksulu]

It would be nice to see our TC athletes take part in these games.


What is the news from the north Halil?

[DT.]

It would be nice to see our TC athletes take part in these games.


What is the news from the north Halil?

It'd be great, but they'd probably be too scared of the reaction from the "trnc" if they paraded under the Cypriot flag.

[denizaksulu]

It would be nice to see our TC athletes take part in these games.


What is the news from the north Halil?

It'd be great, but they'd probably be too scared of the reaction from the "trnc" if they paraded under the Cypriot flag.

More missed opportunities then. Sad.