The Ayia Napa Municipality has announced the opening of a new space for sports and leisure in Sotira. The official ceremony will take place on Sunday, 21 December, at 3:00 p.m. The facility is located on Archbishop Makarios III Avenue, next to the Sotira Social Services Center, in a convenient and easily accessible area for local residents.
The opening ceremony will be attended by Cyprus’s Minister of the Interior, Constantinos Ioannou, and the Protosyncellus of the Holy Metropolis of Constantia and Famagusta, Archimandrite Augustinos Karas. The project was implemented under the cohesion policy program “THALEIA 2021–2027” with co-financing from the European Union, highlighting its importance for the sustainable development of local communities.
A Space for Sports, Recreation, and Social Interaction
The new facility is a modern open-air area designed primarily for young people, while remaining accessible and convenient for all age groups. It is situated in a central part of Sotira and is directly connected to key social and educational institutions, including a primary school, a church education meeting building, and the Social Services Center. This location makes the space an integral part of everyday life in the area.
The site has been designed with comfort, safety, and accessibility in mind. Visitors can engage in sports activities, spend time with children, relax outdoors, and socialize. Special emphasis has been placed on green areas, which is particularly relevant in Cyprus, where interest in active and healthy lifestyles continues to grow. The municipality expects the space to be used year-round and to become a meeting point for both residents and visitors to the area.
Improving Quality of Life and Local Development
According to Ayia Napa Mayor Christos Zannettou, the municipality consistently invests in projects that make everyday life more comfortable and modern for residents. He stressed that the development of all municipal districts remains a priority, and that the creation of such public spaces helps foster a friendly and sustainable urban environment. The mayor also noted that through cooperation and a clear vision for the future, Ayia Napa is evolving into a strong and open city that serves both residents and tourists.
The opening of the sports park in Sotira aligns with Cyprus’s broader strategy to develop public spaces, promote physical activity, and strengthen social inclusion. In recent years, similar projects have increasingly been implemented with the support of European funds, enabling municipalities to upgrade infrastructure without placing additional strain on local budgets.
A Festive, Family-Friendly Atmosphere
On the day of the opening, visitors can expect a festive, family-oriented program. Children will enjoy free entertainment, photo opportunities with Santa Claus, mascot animations, and artistic face painting. The municipality expects the event to attract a large number of residents and to mark the beginning of active use of the new public space, which is set to become one of the most popular leisure spots in Sotira in the near future.