CYPRUS' first-ever Olympic medal winner-cum national hero Pavlos Kontides yesterday received yet another accolade when he was presented with the House of Representatives emblem.
Addressing the ceremony at the parliament building, House Speaker Yiannakis Omirou said that in these difficult times Kontides’ achievement sends a message of hope, confidence, courage and optimism to everyone.
It encourages everyone, he noted, particularly the younger generation, to overcome existing problems, difficulties and obstacles.
Omirou said that “watching the Republic of Cyprus’ flag flying in British skies has made everyone proud”.
When Kontides participated for the first time 13 years ago at the age of nine in a sailing event in Limassol, he noted, no-one believed that the day would come when he would "tame" the Channel.
“However, you did it,” Omirou said, addressing the athlete.
The House speaker said he hoped Kontides' accomplishment would mark the beginning of a new national strategy for sports in Cyprus.
The 22-year-old Kontides won Cyprus' first medal at an Olympics when he took the silver in sailing's laser class in Weymouth, England.
