NICOSIA (Cyprus) - The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, hosted a gala dinner on Tuesday night to signal the excitement and support of the entire nation as it prepares to host one group of FIBA EuroBasket 2025.
In his address, the Cypriot head of state defined FIBA EuroBasket as one of the most important sporting events in the world and as a unique opportunity for the young people of Cyprus, underlining his belief that the tournament will create a lasting legacy for generations to come, and will set a milestone in the history of sport in the country.
FIBA Europe President Jorge Garbajosa, FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis and FIBA Executive Director Europe Kamil Novak were among the distinguished guests at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia.
Mr. Garbajosa echoed the sentiment of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, stating that "EuroBasket will capture the imagination of Cypriot society, and especially of the younger generation, who will embark on this remarkable experience either as fans, volunteers or professionals, and it will shape the rest of their lives."
Mr. Zagklis thanked the Cypriot President, the authorities and the Cypriot Basketball Federation for their efforts in organizing the big event as well as for their collaboration with FIBA throughout the process. The FIBA delegation had earlier visited the arena in Limassol and were informed firsthand on the progress of renovation works at the venue for Group C at FIBA EuroBasket 2025.
The president of the Cypriot House of Representatives Ms. Annita Demetriou, government ministers, other top political officials and business leaders of the Mediterranean country, and Cypriot Basketball Federation (CBF) President Andreas Mouzourides were also in attendance at the gala.
The CBF president revealed that the idea to bid for the EuroBasket hosting rights was born during the pandemic, as the nation needed something so daring and big that would bring them hope and vision during challenging times.
Cyprus will become the smallest ever country, in terms of population, to play host to Europe's pinnacle basketball event when Group C action tips off in the coastal city of Limassol on August 28.
FIBA EuroBasket 2025, the 42nd edition of the event, will take place in Cyprus, Finland, Poland and Latvia from August 27 - September 14, 2025, with the Final Round set to be played in the Latvian capital Riga.
FIBA