Cyprus, Your Sports Destination

“I have no doubt we made the right decision to choose as not just our training base for the Athens but also our warm weather training centre of operations for at least the next ten years. Cyprus now offers great training facilities for a huge range of sports, and is blessed with wonderful weather and a superb environment. Athletes and coaches from what ever the sport could not choose a better place.’’

Richard Simmons-British Olympic Performance Manager Sports Tourism in Cyprus

There are many reasons why athletes and sports lovers are drawn to this beautiful island… There’s the exceptional climate, the range of up-to-date sports facilities, the high-quality service industry, and the short travel times between city, sea and mountains.

Cyprus offers a wide choice of sports facilities. From gyms Many international sports bodies have already recognized to training grounds, from Olympic swimming pools to Cyprus as the ideal training destination. And it’s easy to see mountain biking routes, there’s everything the modern why National Olympic Committees from a number of sportsman or woman could ask for. countries chose Cyprus as their pre-games training One of the world’s favourite holiday destinations, Cyprus destination ahead of the Athens Olympics. also has an impressive choice of accommodation, from self- Medical care in Cyprus is of the highest standard, catering apartments to luxury hotels. When considering combining advanced equipment and facilities with the where to stay, it’s worth remembering that many hotels expertise of highly skilled practitioners. provide fully equipped fitness centres and health spas with The safe and friendly atmosphere also encourages qualified personnel - the ideal way to train and relax. athletes to bring families for an enjoyable break in the sun. A gateway between Europe and the Middle East, Cyprus Great restaurants, friendly cafes and great beaches make enjoys easy flight connectivity with all major European Cyprus the perfect place to unwind and relax. countries and beyond. Cyprus... Your sports destination Football

Top-flight football teams from Europe and beyond choose to train in Cyprus every year. These teams have included Crystal Palace FC, FC Dinamo Moscow, AIK () and many more.

Cyprus boasts sixteen national stadiums (all located within a short distance of each other), grass football fields, athletics facilities, and training resources of the highest standard. Facilities incorporated within include first-aid and physio- therapy rooms, anti-doping control facilities, changing rooms, restrooms, showers, canteens, VIP rooms, conference spaces, telecommunications services, media rooms and more. “The hotel has been outstanding, and all the staff have been very friendly and welcoming. The facilities are more than adequate, you are right on the beach to go for a walk or the boys can have a run. The atmosphere is very relaxing, and that is the idea of it.’’ Iain Dowie – Crystal Palace FC coach

The infrastructure in place can easily meet the demands of the most rigorous professional training programme… and with so many football teams training here regularly, it’s never a problem to organise a friendly match. Cyprus is particularly well suited to pre-season training from November through April, a period offering plenty of sunshine, minimal rain, and temperatures ranging from 10 to 25 degrees celsius. Top football teams who have trained in Cyprus include such famous names as AC Sparta Praha (), AIK (Sweden), FC Dinamo Moscow (), FC Steaua Bucuresti (Romania), Ipswich Town FC (England), Malmo FF (Sweden), and Crystal Palace FC (England).

“We believe Cyprus offers excellent training facilities and a comfortable environment for British clubs… The advantage in Cyprus for clubs is they have the quality of competitive opposition which you do not necessarily get elsewhere in Europe.” Gary Hooper – Former Luton defender and current sports travel professional Cycling

The ideal Cyprus climate makes it possible to explore the island’s breathtaking countryside all year round, making for an unforgettable cycling experience.

For professional or recreational mountain bikers looking to head off the beaten track, Cyprus offers an abundance of hidden trails along the coast or up in the mountains, all offering something new to discover. Whether exploring the winding dirt tracks of the Troodos mountains, the beautiful wild nature trails, or the rocky coastline of the Akamas, Cyprus is a haven for mountain bikers. “Cyprus is the ideal place to train. I feel at home. The climatic conditions here are ideal.” Filip Meirhaerghe ()

The local terrain varies within very short distances, making Belgium’s Filip Meairhaeghe and Roel Paulisen, Bart Bretjens cycling in Cyprus both a great workout and a journey of dis- and Bas Peters of the Netherlands, as well as Austria’s covery. Thanks to the excellent secondary roads winding Michael Weiss, ’s Massimo de Bertolis, Germany’s Karl through spectacular local countryside, Cyprus is also great Platt, and ’s Thomas Frischknecht. for road cycling. Teams that have chosen Cyprus as a training destination The Cyprus Cycling Federation, a member of the include the Belgian National Team, the British Olympic International Cycling Union, organises a number of local road Association, the Netherlands Olympic Committee, and the races, international MTB races and a host of other competi- Irish National Olympic Cycling Team. tions, attracting world class cyclists from all over the world. A number of local bicycle centres offer bike rental International champions and top names from the world of services, route information, guide assistance and support for cycling have all competed and trained in Cyprus, including organised groups. Aquatics

Swimmers can enjoy the best of both worlds in Cyprus as the island boasts excellent open waters, plus a number of swimming pools, both indoor and outdoor.

The many top-class swimming pool facilities in Cyprus include 25m and 50m open-air, heated pools of 8-10 lanes, 1m diving boards, 3m spring boards, 5m, 7.5m and 10m plat- forms. Supplementary equipment, underwater viewing and filming windows are also available. Various national swimming teams have trained in Cyprus, including the Swedish and British Olympic Swimming Teams, as well as the Dutch, Finnish and Austrian national squads. The facilities have also attracted famous names, such as Peter VanDenHoogenband of Holland and Michael Klim of Australia. Local pools regularly host a number of different disci- plines, including events such as synchronized swimming, diving, water polo, etc. “ This is the fourth time in almost one year that we visit Cyprus for a training camp …the sport facilities and hotels are of course out standing… the beautiful weather and hospitality of the Cyprus people have made these training camps the best we can have. Every time (we visit Cyprus) we bring new people and other top foreign swimmers because we want to share this perfect training spot. We are very proud and lucky to be able to train in Cyprus.” Jacco Verhearen – Royal Dutch Swimming Federation Team Performance Director & Head Coach This is where we set the foundations for the gold medal in Sydney!” Bridgette McMahon (Switzerland) –Triathlon Gold Medalist, Sydney Olympic Games 2000

Athletics Well-equipped outdoor athletic facilities exist throughout Cyprus, ready to cater for your training whether you choose to exercise at dawn or dusk. Pay a visit to the island’s many training grounds and you’ll see for yourself that Cyprus is more than ready to welcome serious athletes.

“The conditions are ideal; the facilities, the weather, the people… I would highly recommend Cyprus to my colleagues as a training destination. Once you go there, you will do it annually.” Costas Kenderis () – 200m Gold Medalist, Sydney Olympic Games 2000 “What strikes you at the finish is how smoothly the Challenge runs… Kilometre markers and water stations pop up at metronomic regularity; the routes are clearly marked with enthusiastic marshals at every ambiguous point…” Steven Seaton (Editor of Runners World magazine) on the 4Day Challenge Marathon

Running The climate, the wide diversity of terrain, the short distances between town, country and coast make Cyprus perfect for runners. Marathons and half-marathons regularly prove popular with local and international athletes, plus event organisers often offer athletes and spectators alike the chance to enjoy a spot of outdoor cultural entertainment after the race. Triathlon All year round warm weather conditions make Cyprus a paradise for triathlon enthusiasts looking for a comprehen- sive triathlon training destination. Swimming in one of the island’s 5 outdoor 50m pools or in one of the beautiful calm bays; cycling along picturesque routes, ranging from long straights to steep hills; running in one of the state-of-art newly constructed track areas or on a trail by the sea… All triathlon sports can easily be practiced on the island at facilities and areas close to a variety of accom modation options. Triathlon, running and cycling races are organised all year round and provide ideal opportunities to test your skills in a relaxed atmosphere. Other Sporting Activities Cyprus is a dream destination for sports and adventure lovers.

After all, along with those already mentioned, Cyprus offers a whole host of sports and activities guaran- teed to make any visit to the island an exciting and invigorating experience. GOLF Many of today’s professional sportsmen and women will admit that they’re addicted to golf, and it’s a game rapidly growing in stature here in Cyprus. With 300 days of sunshine and several exceptional courses, golfers return to Cyprus time and time again. A number of international standard 18-hole courses are now in place and many international competitions have already been held. Players teeing off in Cyprus will find themselves playing amidst some of the island’s most beau ti - ful scenery. From fairways overlooking the Mediterranean to peaceful secluded valleys, eighteen rounds in the sunshine has never been more enjoyable! An impressive infrastructure has grown to support the Cyprus golfing boom. Lively clubhouses, equipment rentals, luxurious hotels, and properties to buy or rent just yards from the fairway - there’s everything the modern golfer could need. WATERSPORTS With the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean always close at hand, Cyprus is the perfect watersports destination, summer or winter. Crystal clear with minimal tides, the waters off Cyprus are ideal for professionals and fun-seekers alike. Small wonder then that sportsmen and women head here to prepare for international competitions in windsurfing, sailing, swimming, canoeing and more. Cyprus is regarded as a top sailing centre and extensive sailing and windsurfing facilities enable athletes to save time by storing their sailing equipment without disassembling it. Trained professionals representing the island’s sailing asso- ciations can provide every assistance. DIVING For those looking to explore beneath the surface, everything from cave to wreck diving is available, with the sunken wreck of the Zenobia – lying on the seabed off Larnaka – rated as one of the world’s top dives. Many of the diving centres situated throughout the island are members of the Cyprus Federation of Underwater Activities. These centres provide quality diving equipment under the professional guidance of instructors.

“There is no better place for high-level competitions. The only thing I can say is that Cyprus is the place to be…”

Nicos Kaklamanakis (Greece) – 1996 Olympics Windsurfing Gold Medalist

MOTORSPORT SHOOTING Every year, the island hosts the most exciting round of Shooting is a popular and the Cyprus the FIA World Rally Championship - the Cyprus Rally. Shooting Sport Federation is very active, organising local, Considered by many to be the toughest event in the FIA national and international events, as well as providing World Rally Championship, this outstanding event sees the facilities in every town, covering the trap, skeet, double world’s best drivers do battle on the winding gravel tracks trap and sporting disciplines. Arms and ammunition are of the Troodos mountains. safely stored, while shooting centres also offer a number of As well as the Cyprus Rally, several other rallying and facilities including cafeterias. sprint events are held throughout the year. OTHER ACTIVITIES Other popular activities in Cyprus include beach volleyball, tennis, squash, , basketball, boxing, gymnastics, martial arts, bowling, karting, parachuting, hang-gliding and a variety of extreme sports. Medical and re-habilitation facilities are of the highest standard in Cyprus, combining advanced medical equipment with the expertise of highly-skilled practitioners. Sports stadiums and venues offer first-aid equipment while regional medical centres and hospitals can cater for any eventuality.

The Cyprus Association of Sports Medicine is responsible for such key aspects as physiotherapy, sports massage and anti- doping procedures. Not only is Cyprus the ideal place to receive treatment for sports-related injuries, it’s also perfect for resting and recuperating afterwards. The island boasts an extensive range of health and wellness spas offering a broad range of traditional and alternative treatments and therapies which soothe, rejuvenate and inspire. Extensive facilities also exist SPORTS for physiotherapy and rehabilitation. CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS

With visitors coming to Cyprus not just to train, but also for many other aspects of their sport, local professionals have set in place modern facilities which cater for a range of needs. Luxurious hotels dot the island, offering extensive conference and meeting facilities, and Cyprus is becom- ing an increasingly popular venue for sports meetings, with the island hosting many regional and European conferences. Local professionals have created flexible packages that can be adapted to suit delegations of any size. Sports Events/Training

ESTABLISHED SPORTS VISITORS TO CYPRUS MAJOR SPORTS EVENTS A selection of teams that have already chosen  FIBA Eurocup All Star Game 2005 – 2006 - 2007 Cyprus as their training destination  ‘Race under the Sun’ cross country MTB race (UCI) 2006 - 2007 National sports associations and teams:  3rd World University Beach Volley Championship 2006  Belgian Olympic Athletics Team  Antique Rally (Regulating and Sporting) 2006 - 2007  British Olympics Association & Team GB (Archery,  FIVB Challenger Beach Volley Tournament 2006 - 2007 - 2008 Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cycling, Diving,  Balkan Youth Swimming Games 2006 Equestrian, Judo, Modern Pentathlon, Rowing,  Victory Cyprus Grand Prix (Shooting) 2006 - 2007 Swimming, Taekwondo, Triathlon, Weightlifting)  5th Amateur Men’s Open Tournament and 1st Amateur  British Paralympic Association (Archery, Athletics, Women’s Open Golf Tournament 2006 - 2007 - 2008 Cycling, Judo, Power lifting, Shooting, Swimming, Tennis)  Marathon MTB World Cup Cycling Race (UCI Marathon  Cayman Islands Olympic Swimming Team World Series) 2005  Mediterranean Junior Wrestling Tournament 2005  German Boxing Team  Cyprus Aphrodite Half Marathon (annually)  German Junior Triathlon Team  Cyprus International 4-day Challenge Marathon Events  National Irish Olympic Teams (Athletics, Boxing, (annually) Cycling, Judo, Shooting, Taekwondo)  Amathunta Half Marathon & 10km (annually)  Netherlands Olympic Committee (Archery, Athletics,  Ultra Sports Pafos Marathon (annually) Badminton, Fencing, Mountain Biking, Road Cycling,  International Cyprus Women’s Cup 2008 Shooting)  ISSF World Championships in Shotgun 2007  Scottish U19 Football Team  Cyprus Rally (Annually)  Swedish Olympic Swimming Team Troodoos Rally  Dutch, Finnish and Australian National Swimming Teams  ExtremeCy World 2006-2007 Championship for Extreme Sports  Udinese Calcio Footoball Team  European Masters Weightlifting Championship 2007  Women’s National Football Team of , Canada,  U23 European Beach Volleyball Championship 2007 Japan, Sweden, , The Netherlands. INTERENATIONAL SPORTS EVENTS 2008  Cyprus Sunshine Cup 2008 (mountain biking)  World Aquabike Cyprus Grand Prix 2008 & European Women’s Cyprus Grand Prix 2008  World Games Sporting 2008 (shooting)  FIBA Eurocup Final Four 2008

CONFERENCES HELD IN CYPRUS Sporting conferences held in Cyprus in recent years include:  European Sports Management Conference (2006)  8th UEFA Youth Conference (2005)  28th UEFA Ordinary Congress (2004)  European Aquatics Federation Conference (2004)  IOC Middle East Regional Forum on Peace and Sport (2004)

CONFERENCES  Meeting of the Executive Committee of the European University Sports Association 2007  Annual Conference of the European Motorcycle Federation 2007  8th General Assembly of the European Canoe Federation 2007  17th UEFA Referees Course 2008  Founding Assembly Meeting of the Mediterranean University Sports Association 2008

Mountain biking in the Troodos… Running beside the Mediterranean… Swimming off the beach… All Seasons… All Reasons… Cyprus... your sports destination Useful Information

Lefkosia Pafos The island’s capital city, Lefkosia () is located at the Pafos is a lively place boasting an impressive line up of centre of the island and is a cosmopolitan mix of office luxury hotels, golf courses and natural attractions. It is also blocks, pavement cafes, and modern shops. The head- home to the island’s second international airport. quarters of many of the island’s sports associations are located here. Troodos Mountains A cool escape from the heat of the summer or a skiing Lemesos destination in winter, the Troodos mountains offer tracks, The island’s major port, Lemesos () successfully paths and trails for cycling, hiking and running. Athletes combines its roles as a tourist resort and a modern interna- sometimes use Troodos for altitude training. tional business centre. Many of the island’s best hotels are here, while local sports and training facilities are numerous. Agia Napa / Protaras Agia Napa and Protaras are major holiday destinations with Larnaka plenty of hotels and recreational facilities along with sports This popular coastal resort also does double duty as a and fitness training venues. bustling working town. Home to the island’s major interna- tional airport, Larnaka is an effective base for further Villages travel around the island. The many villages dotted around the countryside often offer rural accommodation and are a great choice for those who enjoy running and cycling. Cyprus... your sports destination

Fast Facts:

Time: Electricity Supply: Local time is GMT + 2hrs, except during daylight saving time- 220/240 Volts AC 50Hz. UK standard square pin sockets. when it is GMT + 3hrs. Water: Banks & Currency: Cyprus mains tap water is safe to drink. Cyprus currency is the euro, which is divided into 100 cent. Given the hot climate, it is important not to waste water. Banks accept and exchange all major currencies. Most restaurants, major shops, etc. accept credit cards. Driving: Driving is on the left. Public banking hours: Monday-Friday 08:30hrs to 13:30hrs Hire cars are widely available and are easily identified by Shopping / Business Hours: As an approximate guide, opening their red number plates featuring a "Z" prefix. Drivers hours in Cyprus are 09:00hrs to 18:00hrs, with a one hour under 25 years of age holding a driving licence for less lunch break. In the hotter months (between mid-June and than 3 years at the time of rental, must inform the car August 31) a siesta period (optional) comes into effect, rental company so that under-age insurance coverage is Opening hours during this period are approximately provided. 08:00hrs-13:00hrs and 16:00hrs-20:00hrs. Seat belts must be worn front and rear in cars. Helmets must Many shops close on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons be worn when riding motorcycles. throughout the year. Drinking and driving is punishable by law. Post Offices: Most post offices open from 08:00hrs to 13:00hrs, Mon-Fri. Emergency telephone numbers: Police / Fire / Ambulance 112 Main post offices also open from 15:00hrs-18:00hrs on week- Forest Department (Fires) 1407 days and 09:00hrs-11:00hrs on Saturdays. Major Hospitals (enquiries) 1400 Airports International airports are located at Larnaka and Pafos. For information, telephone 77778833 Contact Details

All major sports are represented in Cyprus by federations and associations who can help individuals and groups locate equipment, premises or anything they need to train in Cyprus. There are also a number of specialist sports- handling companies operating who can provide useful advice and professional assistance.

The Cyprus Tourism Organisation is always happy to help with any enquiry:

Cyprus Tourism Organisation P.O. Box 24535 CY 1390 Lefkosia Tel:(+357) 22691100 Fax: (+357) 22331644 E-mail: [email protected] www.visitcyprus.com

SPORTS BODIES

Cyprus Sports Organisation, P.O. Box 24804 1304 Lefkosia Cyprus Tel.: (+357) 22897000 Fax: (+357) 22358222 E-mail: [email protected] www.sportskoa.org.cy

Cyprus Olympic Committee P.O. Box 23931 Photos: CTO archives, Agisilaou and Spyrou, Leptos Calypso Hotels 1687 Lefkosia Text and Design: Action Global Communications Cyprus Printed by: J.G. Cassoulides & Son Ltd - September 2008 Tel: (+357) 22449880/81 Fax: (+357) 2244989890 ISSN: 9963-44-063-0 E-mail: [email protected] www.olympic.org.cy CTO Offices abroad

CYPRUS BELGIUM CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANISATION OFFICE DU TOURISME DE CHYPRE CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANISATION Leoforos Lemesou 19, Lefkosia (Nicosia) DIENST VOOR TOERISME VAN Top Tower-14th floor, Dizengoff Centre P.O.Box 24535, CY 1390 Lefkosia (Nicosia) CYPRUS 50 Dizengoff Str., - Tel-Aviv 64332 Tel. (00357) 22 69 11 00 Avenue de Cortenbergh 61, Tel. 00-972-3-52 57 442 Fax: (00357) 22 33 16 44 Kortenberglaan Fax: 00-972-3-52 57 443 E-mail: [email protected] B-1000 Bruxelles/Brussel E-mail: [email protected] Web-site: www.visitcyprus.com Tel. 02/735.06.21, Fax: 02/735.66.07 E-mail: [email protected] RUSSIAN FEDERATION - MOSCOW UNITED KINGDOM CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANISATION CYPRUS TOURIST OFFICE THE NETHERLANDS Povarskaya 9, Building 2, 17, Hanover Street London W1S 1YP CYPRUS VERKEERSBUREAU 121069, Moscow Tel. 0207 569 8800, Fax: 0207 499 4935 Keizersgracht 635, 1017 DS Amsterdam Tel. 007 495 223 9684 E-mail: [email protected] Tel. (020) 624 4358, Fax: (020) 638 3369 Fax: 007 495 744 2955 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] IRELAND CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANISATION SWEDEN RUSSIAN FEDERATION - ST. PETERSBURG 71, Lower Leeson Str., Dublin 2 CYPERNS TURISTRÅD CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANISATION Tel. 00 353-1-6629269, Sveavägen 66, 111 34 Stockholm 27, Furshtatskaya street, Fax: 00 353-1-6629270 Tel. (08) 10 50 25, Fax: (08) 10 64 14 191123 St. Petersburg E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 007-812-332-58-08 Fax: 007-812-332-58-09 GERMANY - FRANKFURT E-mail: [email protected] FREMDENVERKEHRSZENTRALE KYPROKSEN MATKAILUTOIMISTO ZYPERN Aleksanterinkatu 48B, 00100 Helsinki Zeil 127 - 60313 Frankfurt Tel. (0) 9-476 09 100, CIPRUSI IDEGENFORGALMI Tel. (069) 25 19 19, Fax: (069) 25 02 88 Fax: (0) 9-476 09 120 HIVATAL E-mail: info@cto–fra.de E-mail: [email protected] H-1051 Budapest, Dorottya Str. 3. III floor Tel. 00-36-1-266 6044, GERMANY - BERLIN GREECE - ATHENS Fax: 00-36-1-266 6043 FREMDENVERKEHRSZENTRALE CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANISATION E-mail: [email protected] ZYPERN Voukourestiou 38, Kolonaki, Wallstr. 27, 10179 Berlin Athens 10673 Tel. 0 30–23 45–75 90, Tel. (210) 36 10 178, (210) 36 10 057 CYPRYJSKA ORGANIZACJA Fax: 0 30–23 45–75 92 Fax: (210) 36 44 798 TURYSTYCZNA E-mail: cto_berlin@t–online.de E-mail: cto–[email protected] Ul. Piekna 20, 00-549 Warswa Tel.+ 48 22-827 90 36, SWITZERLAND GREECE - THESSALONIKI Fax: + 48 22-827 90 34 FREMDENVERKEHRSZENTRALE CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANISATION E-mail: [email protected] ZYPERN 37 Nikis Ave., Thessaloniki 54013, Gottfried Keller – Strasse 7 P.O.Box 50046 CZECH REPUBLIC CH-8001 Zürich Tel. 00 2310-242880, KYPERSKÁ ORGANIZACE Tel. (+4144) 262 3303, Fax: 00 2310-286881 CESTOVNíHO RUCHU Fax: (+4144) 251 2417 E-mail: [email protected] Pod Hradbami 662/9, 16000 Praha 6 Geneva: Tel: (+4122) 741 33 03 Tel. 00-420-222-253 097 E-mail: [email protected] ITALY Fax: 00-420-222-251 639 ENTE NAZIONALE PER IL TURISMO E-mail: [email protected] AUSTRIA DI CIPRO ZYPERN TOURISMUS Via Santa Sofia 6, 20122 Milano MIDDLE EAST & ARABIAN GULF Parkring 20, A–1010 Wien Tel. 02 58 31 98 35, 02 58 30 33 28 CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANISATION Tel. (01) 513 18 70 Fax: 02 58 30 33 75 Al Ghurair Center, Offices Tower, No 436B Fax: (01) 513 18 72 E-mail: [email protected] P.O.Box 94670, Deira, Dubai, UAE E-mail: [email protected] Tel. (009714) 2277637, UNITED STATES Fax. (009714) 2277638 CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANIZATION E-mail: [email protected] OFFICE DU TOURISME DE CHYPRE 13 East 40th Str. New York, NY 10016 15, Rue de la Paix, 75002 Paris Tel. (00 1212) 683–5280 Tel. (01) 42 61 42 49, Fax: (00 1212) 683–5282 Fax: (01) 42 61 65 13 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANISATION

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