The Deputy Minister of Culture expressed the hope that the 100th anniversary of APOEL’s founding would mark the beginning of an even more creative period for the club, with respect for its history and contributions, and even greater successes in the future, said Deputy Minister of Culture Klea Hatzistefanou Papaellina, in her remarks on Saturday at the opening of the historic photo exhibition marking the 100th anniversary of APOEL’s founding, which took place at the Club’s headquarters.
“As the Deputy Ministry of Culture, we recognize the special value of initiatives that preserve the traces of the past and highlight the precious pieces that make up our cultural heritage,” said Ms. Papaellina, according to a statement from the Deputy Ministry of Culture.
She noted that the history of Cypriot sports is part of this heritage, as “through its records, we can understand the experiences, expectations, and social changes of entire eras.”
“This significant anniversary gives us the opportunity to honor the history and the people of the Club, but also to reflect on the deeper ties that connect sports with culture, social life, and the historical trajectory of our country,” she added.
The Deputy Minister of Culture said that from the October Uprising of 1931 and the EOKA national liberation struggle, through to the dark days of the Turkish invasion of 1974, APOEL members have been at the forefront of the struggles for freedom, dignity, and the defense of the homeland and its territorial integrity.
“This eventful historical journey is highlighted by the photo exhibition we are inaugurating tonight,” he added.
She noted that through the faces, events, and moments spanning an entire century, the photographic material captures not only APOEL’s journey but also significant aspects of Cypriot society.
Ms. Papaellina congratulated the Panhellenic Association of APOEL Fans for its initiative and contribution to the realization of the exhibition, as well as the museologist and Curator of the APOEL Museum, Marios Taliotis, for curating it.
