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The coastal town of Ayia Napa was transformed into a vibrant hub of solidarity and sport on Sunday, as more than 4,500 runners from over 20 countries gathered for the 5th annual “Run for Autism Half Marathon,” a charity event that continues to grow in scale and significance.
Among the participants was Nikos Christodoulides, who joined runners in the 5 km race, alongside senior government officials including Health Minister Neophytos Charalambidis and Deputy Ministers Nikolas Ioannidis and Klea Stefanou-Papaellina. Their participation underscored the growing national importance of the event.
In remarks delivered during the race, President Christodoulides praised the initiative as a “purely charitable effort,” emphasizing that it stands out for being entirely volunteer-driven, without any commercial or profit-making purpose. He noted that the event has evolved into an international point of reference, reflecting both Cyprus’s community spirit and its commitment to social causes.
All proceeds from the race will go directly to the Famagusta Autism Support Association, supporting families of individuals on the autism spectrum and funding services such as the “Smile Project” Day Center in Sotira. The center provides specialized care and educational programs for children and adults with autism, playing a vital role in the local community.
A major highlight of the President’s address was the announcement of tangible government action. Referring to earlier commitments made at a regional conference in Paralimni, he confirmed that plans for a Multi-purpose Social Welfare Center, also described as a Model Autism Center, in the Famagusta district are already underway. The project, with a budget of €4.5 million and an estimated construction period of 18 months, aims to provide a safe, structured environment where individuals with autism can develop skills, gain independence, and improve their quality of life.
Event organizers described this year’s race as the most successful to date, citing record participation and strong institutional backing. The presence of the President, they noted, marks a milestone in the event’s evolution from a grassroots initiative into a nationally recognized movement.
The Mayor of Ayia Napa, Christos Zannetou, expressed gratitude to participants, volunteers, and organizers, praising their collective contribution to what he called “an important social initiative.” He also highlighted the significance of government support in advancing the planned autism center, describing it as a project of essential importance for the Famagusta district.
With information from Nikos Christodoulides and Agia Napa Municipality.
