Parents protest as Limassol Olympic Swimming Pool remains closed
On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, parents of young athletes staged a protest outside the Limassol Olympic Swimming Pool to demand a swift resolution to the facility's prolonged closure. The Olympic pool, which is the only 50-meter facility in Limassol, has been non-operational since August 30, following severe weather that caused a main pipe to burst and flooded the underground machinery room.
The closure affects approximately 1,200 athletes—800 swimmers and 400 water polo players—from local clubs including the Nautical Clubs of Limassol, Ammochostos, and Mesa Geitonia. Representative Dr. Ioannis Thrasyvoulou noted that children have been forced to train in overcrowded, alternative facilities, such as the indoor pool at Tsirio Stadium. These conditions have led to late-night training sessions ending as late as 22:40, which parents argue hinders the children's academic performance and causes significant physical exhaustion, with some athletes choosing to quit the sport entirely.
The Cyprus Sports Organization (KOA) has officially acknowledged the extent of the electromechanical damage. According to their statement, technical teams are currently working on repairs, and they estimate that the facility will remain closed for approximately six more weeks. Parents expressed guarded optimism that the KOA will honor this timeline, though they warned that they will remain vigilant as they lack a viable alternative plan.