Cyprus proposed the establishment of a Centre of Excellence on the Economic Dimension of Sport at the 12th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting, held in Glasgow on Wednesday as part of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, according to an announcement by the Cyprus Sports Organisation.
Cyprus was represented by the Organisation’s Acting Director General, Dr Vassos Koutsioundas, on behalf of Education, Sport and Youth Minister Dr Athena Michaelidou.
Discussions focused on cooperation among Commonwealth member states, integrity and good governance, economic growth and investment, as well as the contribution of sport to social inclusion and public health.
During the meeting, Koutsioundas supported the further strengthening of the Commonwealth Advisory Body on Sport and presented Cyprus’ initiatives in the areas of good governance and athlete safeguarding.
He also proposed the creation of a Centre of Excellence on the Economic Dimension of Sport, aimed at improving the assessment of sport’s contribution to the economy and encouraging investment in the sector.
Koutsioundas placed particular emphasis on reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and formally integrating mental health into sports policy.
He also highlighted the need for a holistic approach combining athlete safeguarding, mental health and dual-career opportunities.
According to the Cyprus Sports Organisation, Cyprus reaffirmed through its participation its commitment to promoting sport that is fair, safe, inclusive and socially responsible.