It wasn't the stopwatch that mattered. Nor was it who reached the other end of the pool first. It was those few meters in the water, with their vision blocked, that gave the participants the chance to experience a different reality.
The 4th Blackened Goggles Challenge, held on Sunday, October 25, at the Nicosia Olympic Swimming Pool, was not just another sporting event. It was a reminder that the most significant obstacles are not always right in front of our eyes, but often lie within our perceptions.
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Through an initiative by Through My Eyes and its founder, gold medalist Paralympian Karolina Pelendritou, the message “From Darkness to Light” took on meaningful substance for yet another year.
Representing the President of the Republic, the President of the Cyprus Sports Organization, Mr. Yiannis Ioannou, who praised the work of the Through My Eyes Organization and congratulated Karolina Pelendritou on the initiative.
An accomplished swimmer, the President of the Nicosia District Local Government Organization, Mr. Konstantinos Giorkatzis, swam wearing blackened goggles in the front row alongside the three men from the National Guard who swam representing the National Guard and Pelendritou herself, as well as her coach, Olympic swimmer Dimitris Koulouris. Of particular significance was the presence and participation of people with disabilities, especially para-athletes Loizos Chrysanthos and Marios Filippou.
This year’s event transformed a sporting activity into a powerful experience of empathy, acceptance, and inclusion, attracting participants of all ages, families, sports enthusiasts, and representatives from businesses and organizations.
It was part of the “Limassol” series organized by the Municipality of Limassol, though it took place in Nicosia due to the temporary closure of the Limassol swimming pool. It was held under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, and was held—as it is every year—to mark the International White Cane Day, which is observed annually on October 15. The Kateryna Biloruska Foundation served as the charity partner, and the Cyprus Sports Organization was a major supporter.
Proceeds went to the School for the Blind
All proceeds from participation fees and donations—both from this year’s event and last year’s, totaling €2,100—were donated to the “Apostolos Varnavas” School for the Blind to be used to improve the quality of life for people with visual impairments, specifically to promote the use of the white cane, a program implemented in collaboration with Through My Eyes. The check was received by the school’s director, Ms. Laya Karpasiti.
Of particular significance was the presence of World Para-Archery Champion Christos Misos and his team, who introduced the audience to blind archery. Misos presented Pelendritou with the bow he used to win the World Championship!
Sports, entertainment, and inclusion
In addition to the swimming challenge, the event’s program included activities for children, music, food and drinks, as well as a Zumba warm-up led by Altius Fitness Gym and a warm-up session with Greek Olympic trainer Dimitris Koulouris.
At the same time, Blue Island fish markets hosted a nutrition workshop in collaboration with dietitian and nutritionist Dr. Anna Christina Koni on the benefits of incorporating fish into one’s diet.
All participants received a certificate of attendance and goodie bags, which were generously provided by Lidl Cyprus, Healthy Habits bars, SWANS, and the H.A. Papaellinas Group.
Karolina Pelendritou: “Inclusion begins when we put ourselves in someone else’s shoes”
Karolina Pelendritou, founder of Through My Eyes and a gold medalist at the Paralympics, through the Blackened Goggles Challenge, continues to convey a meaningful message to Cypriot society: that true equality is achieved not only through theory, but primarily through experience, understanding, and a shift in mindset.
Sponsors and Supporters
The event was supported by the Cyprus Sports Organization, the Municipality of Limassol, the Municipality of Amathus, the Cyprus National Paralympic Committee (KEPE), the Cyprus Amateur Swimming Federation (KOEK), the Limassol Nautical Club, and the organizations “YPARCHO,” “ABLEBOOK,” and “ENAVSMA.”
The Kateryna Biloruska Foundation served as the charity partner.
The event’s sponsors were the Bank of Cyprus and GRAWE Cyprus. Supporters included LIDL Cyprus, ALAMBRA, Blue Island, KSALL Financial Services, IPH with Healthy Habits, and SWANS. Accommodation sponsors were Amyth of Nicosia by Thanos Hotels and Amathus Beach Hotel, while AVIS served as the transportation sponsor.
Total Sports Marketing was responsible for organizing and coordinating the event.
