Fourth Blackened Goggles Challenge hosted in Nicosia

On Sunday, October 25, 2026, the 4th Blackened Goggles Challenge was held at the Nicosia Olympic Swimming Pool. Organized by the non-profit organization "Through My Eyes" and its founder, Paralympic champion Karolina Pelendritou, the event aimed to raise awareness about visual impairment by allowing participants to experience swimming while wearing darkened goggles. Although traditionally part of the "Lemesos" festival in Limassol, the event was relocated to Nicosia due to technical issues with the original venue's pool.

The event, themed "From Darkness to Light," was held under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides. The opening was marked by the President of the Cyprus Sports Organization, Giannis Ioannou, who commended Pelendritou for her advocacy in promoting inclusion and equality through sports. Notable participants included the President of the Nicosia District Self-Government Organization, Konstantinos Giorkatzis, and members of the Underwater Demolition Team (OYK), alongside world para-archery champion Christos Misos.

This annual initiative continues to serve as a platform for empathy and societal awareness. Proceeds from the previous two editions were donated to the Saint Barnabas School for the Blind, highlighting the event's ongoing social impact and its commitment to supporting those with visual impairments.