3. Cyprus

The sports history of Cyprus dates back many centuries. Inscriptions found in various archaeological sites, both on the island and in Greece, provide evidence for the Cypriots’ love for sports. In its effort to promote sports, in 1969 the Government of Cyprus established the Cyprus Sport Organization following the passage of special legislation known as the “Cyprus Sport Organization Law of 1969.” The Cyprus Sport Organization has developed extensive sports infrastructure over the years in its effort to promote sport in Cyprus. Based on the provisions of the law, the government provides funding for both competitive and recreational sport (Sport for All), and the sport system in Cyprus has thus developed based on state funding and voluntary support for the running and administration of the National Sports Federations and the National Olympic Committee.