Newsroom
For the 8th consecutive year, participants and attendees gathered on Limassol beach this morning to send a powerful message of support and optimism during the event "Swimming with the OYK for our Little Heroes." The event was attended by several members of the Council of Ministers, the Speaker of Parliament, MEPs, MPs, the leadership of the National Guard and Police, as well as representatives of various institutions.
The initiator of the event, MEP Loukas Fourlas, along with OYK members and other volunteers, including the Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Georgios Tsitsikostas, swam in solidarity with the "Little Heroes"—children battling cancer at the Pediatric Oncology Department of Makarios Hospital—emphasizing that no child should face cancer alone.
Simultaneously, the "March of Love" took place along the beach, concluding at the dock of Limassol's old port. The Chief of Police, Themistos Arnaoutis, officially launched both the swim and the march.
Participants, both swimmers and hikers, gathered at the dock of the old port for an event attended by a large crowd.
In his address, Loukas Fourlas expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the event. "Today, just a few days before Christmas, we open our hearts wide and send love to the Children's Oncology Unit. See you next year on the last Saturday before Christmas," he said.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Demetriou conveyed her support for the initiative and congratulated Fourlas and all participants. "We are here, and we stand in solidarity," she stated, highlighting the importance of raising awareness for these children during the holiday season. "Together, united, we can achieve even more," she emphasized.
Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, representing the Government, expressed his admiration for the organizers, noting that the presence of individuals, institutions, and society reflected the collective determination to support the "Little Heroes."
Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Marilena Evangelou reiterated her ministry's commitment to supporting children with cancer. "We are companions and partners in this fight. We support your efforts, and we will be here again next year," she assured.
Chief of the National Guard Georgios Tsitsikostas also commended the event, stating, "When we come together, we can achieve great things. And we will continue to stand united."
Police Chief Themistos Arnaoutis thanked all participants and organizers, highlighting the collaboration between various sectors. "For the 8th year, the Police, as the organizer, thanks everyone who contributed, especially the little heroes and their families. It is one of the few times I’ve witnessed the entire political leadership united with a single purpose: to support the little heroes," he remarked.
The event was also addressed by Cypriot and Greek MEPs, doctors from the pediatric oncology department, and the Mayor of Limassol. Among the attendees were Fisheries Commissioner Costas Kadis, other ministers, the Attorney General, the Assistant Attorney General, members of parliament, and numerous other officials.
