Fourth annual Blackened Goggles Challenge hosted by Karolina Pelendritou

The 4th annual Blackened Goggles Challenge took place on Sunday, October 25, at the Olympic Swimming Pool in Nicosia. Organized by gold Paralympic medalist Karolina Pelendritou and her non-profit organization 'Through My Eyes', the event aimed to promote inclusivity and raise awareness for para-sports by having participants swim while wearing blackened goggles. Although originally part of the 'Lemesia' festival of the Limassol Municipality, the event was relocated to Nicosia due to technical issues at the Limassol pool.

The challenge was held under the auspices of the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, and was inaugurated by the President of the Cyprus Sports Organization, Giannis Ioannou. High-profile participants, including the President of the Nicosia District Self-Government Organization, Konstantinos Yiorkatzis, and members of the Underwater Demolition Command (OYK), participated in the experiential activity. The event focuses on the message 'From Darkness to Light', aiming to change societal perceptions regarding disability through first-hand experience.

Karolina Pelendritou, a distinguished athlete with 8 Paralympic medals and 13 world records, continues her efforts to advance the para-sport movement in Cyprus. The success of this year's edition reinforces the initiative's ongoing role in breaking stereotypes and inspiring the youth.