Cyprus announces increased Olympic funding and plans for a new Ministry of Sports

On September 16, 2026, during a ceremony marking 40 years of athletic cooperation between Cyprus and Greece, President Nikos Christodoulides announced a significant boost in support for national athletes. The government will double the financial aid for preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, increasing the budget from 350,000 euros to 700,000 euros. This funding is already included in the state budget and will be managed by the Cyprus Sports Organization starting January 1, 2027.

In addition to the increased funding, the President announced the establishment of a new National Sports Council, a scientific body tasked with integrating expertise into the local sports sector. A primary objective of this council is to prepare a comprehensive proposal for the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Sports in Cyprus. The Cabinet of Ministers officially approved the formation of this council on the same day as the announcement.

These initiatives reflect the government’s stated priority of enhancing the national sports infrastructure and performance. The measures serve to transition from preliminary planning to institutional action, with the National Sports Council expected to lead the strategic development of the sector in the coming months.