Cyprus Symphony Orchestra - TRIBUTE TO VICKY STYLIANOU - 6.3.2026
2026-03-06 20:30 - 22:00 (Asia/Nicosia) | Pallas Theatre, 24 Rigainis, Nicosia, 1513, Cyprus
CYPRUS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA – TRIBUTE TO VICKY STYLIANOU
Pafos: Friday 6 March 2026 – Markideio Municipal Theatre, 20:30
With this special concert, the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra honours and celebrates the memory of Vicky Stylianou – an artist of remarkable musical contribution, both as a pianist and as an orchestrator. Having had the honour and joy of numerous collaborations with Vicky, the Orchestra holds in its heart many beautiful, vivid memories of her radiance as an artist and her warmth as a person.
Under the baton of the Orchestra’s Honourary Conductor Alkis Baltas, the concert will fittingly open with Maurice Ravel’s Pavane pour une infante défunte, an elegiac meditation of profound tenderness and lyrical beauty.
We are delighted to be joined on stage for the first time by Antonis Manias, one of the most distinguished Greek violists of his generation, as the soloist in Weber’s Andante and Rondo Ungarese for viola and orchestra. In this work the viola sings with warm lyricism in the Andante and dazzles with fiery, Hungarian-inspired rhythms in the exuberant Rondo Ungarese. The acclaimed violist will also perform Alkis Baltas’ Makbule for solo viola and orchestra, based on the well-known ‘rebetiko’ melody “Makbule” and dedicated to Antonis Manias.
Alan Hovhaness’s Symphony no. 6, “Celestial Gate” is a deeply spiritual and luminous work that unfolds as a vast, transcendent sonic meditation. The symphony blends ancient modal melodies, shimmering orchestral textures, and a sense of timeless ritual to evoke a mystical passage between the earthly and the divine.

PROGRAMME
Maurice RAVEL: Pavane pour une infante défunte, M.19
Carl Maria von WEBER: Andante and Rondo Ungarese for viola and orchestra
Alkis BALTAS: “Makbule” for solo viola and orchestra
Alan HOVHANESS: Symphony no. 6, op. 173, ‘Celestial Gate’

Antonis Manias viola
Alkis Baltas conductor

The concerts are held under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026.
Supporters: Pafos Municipality
Ticket prices: 15 / 10 (μειωμένο)
Concession tickets are available to:
Students, soldiers, pensioners, large and five-member families on presentation of ID.
Free Entrance for people with disabilities.

Ticket presales:
Markideio Municipal Theatre (Andrea Geroudi 27, 8010 Pafos, 26 222286)
Online at cyso.interticket.com and 1,5 hrs before the concert.

Cyprus Backyard Ultra - 14-17.3.2026
2026-03-14 10:00 - 2026-03-17 23:30 UTC | Oroklini Picnic Area, Oroklini picknic area, Larnaka, Oroklini, Cyprus
The Cyprus Backyard Ultra (CBU) is a thrilling last-person-standing race that pushes runners to their absolute limits. Inspired by the iconic Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra, this event combines relentless endurance, mental fortitude, and the breathtaking beauty of Cyprus into an unforgettable challenge.
As one of the very few ultra races on the island, and likely the only one that lasts this long in both distance and time, CBU stands out as a unique test of human endurance.
Race Format:
– Runners start together and must complete a 6.706-kilometer loop within one hour.
– Those who finish early must wait at the start line until the next loop begins.
– No breaks or outside assistance are allowed during the loop, rest is only permitted between loops.
– As the race progresses, each loop becomes a grueling test of physical stamina and mental resilience.
– The event continues until only one runner remains.
The Challenge:
With no set finish line, the Cyprus Backyard Ultra is a true battle of pacing, recovery, and sheer determination. The last runner standing after all others have DNF’d (Did Not Finish) is crowned the winner.
Set against the stunning landscape of Oroklini, Larnaca, which combines breathtaking views of the sea from a hill, this race is not just about endurance, it’s about camaraderie, pushing boundaries, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
For the Technical Race Instructions click here

Cyprus International Orienteering Festival 2026 - 18-22.3.2026
2026-03-18 09:30 - 2026-03-22 13:30 (Asia/Nicosia)
The Cyprus International Orienteering Festival (CIOF) is held over five days. Each day is a separate event at a different locaction. Orienteering is an individual sport and competitors start independently at intervals. At the start they are given a map with control sites already printed on it. Their aim is to use their navigational skills and a compass to find all the control sites in order in the fastest possible time. Electronic timing devices, called SI-cards, held on the finger, are used to mark the start, tag controls and mark the finish, so each competitor has an overall time. Missing a control means disqualification.
There are different categories and age classes for men (M) and women (W). The elite class is M/W21. The other classs are grouped in five year age groups over 35 (ie M/W35 ; M/W40 ; M/W45 etc). Under 21 they are grouped in two year age groups (ie M/W10 ; MW12 ; M/W14 etc).
Our youngest competitors are under ten years old and our oldest competitors are over 85 years !.(We are super proud of them !)
The first four events of the CIOF are middle distance « forest » type events, held in the rural countryside, with challenging terrain and technical maps. (Delikipos, Aetomotti and Sia/Mathiatis areas for CIOF2026) The first four events will count for an overall classification and prizes. The last day is a sprint type event, held on an urban map (Nicosia old city for CIOF2026 from Elefteria Sq.). This is a seperate event with its own prizes and medals.
Prizegiving for the whole event will be held in Elefteria Sq (lower level) at the completion of the event on the last day.
Venues
Day 1 – Delikipos picnic site
Day 2 & 3 – Aetomoutti area
Day 4 – Sia/Mathiatis area
Day 5 – Nicosia old city (from Eleftheria Square)

Social media
https://www.facebook.com/OrientactionOrienteeringInCyprus
https://www.facebook.com/orienteeringfestivalcyprus
https://www.facebook.com/OrienteeringCyprus/

McDonald’s Ayia Napa International Youth Soccer Festival 2026 - 4-9.4.2026
2026-04-04 09:00 - 2026-04-09 19:00 (Asia/Nicosia) | AYIA NAPA MUNICIPALITY SPORTS CENTER, Kokkines area, Ayia Napa, Cyprus
We would like to invite your team to participate in the Ayia Napa International Youth Soccer Festival in a venue that can only be described as one of the most famous soccer activities in Cyprus and one of the biggest of its kind in the Middle East and Mediterranean countries. I assure you of a real soccer festival, with high standard of football and lots of fun for the young future soccer stars coming from many different countries.
Τhe next Ayia Napa International Youth Soccer Festival will take place from Saturday 4 till Thursday 9 April 2026.The whole event is organized and coordinated by Soccerworldcyprus, an official member sports club of the Official Cyprus National Sports Organization. The event is supported every year by the Municipality of Ayia Napa tourist resort, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and is officially recognized and approved by the official Cyprus Football Association.
Categories & Age Group Competitions
Unlimited number of girls can join in the boys’ teams / girls can be up to 1 year over aged. With regards to age groups bear in mind that for next year age groups to be hosted (January 1st to December 31st) will be as follows.
For your correct travel and accommodation arrangements note carefully the below starting & ending dates per different age group which will be finalized upon team registrations completion.
GRASSROOTS EDITION (9 VS 9 / 7 VS 7 / 5 VS 5)
CATEGORY Α EAGLES (unlimited number of team participation)
2020, 5 vs 5, 2 x 20, Saturday 04/04 – Tuesday 07/04
2019, 5 vs 5, 2 x 20, Saturday 04/04 – Wednesday 08/04
2018, 5 vs 5, 2 x 20, Saturday 04/04 – Wednesday 08/04
2017, 5 vs 5, 2 x 20, Saturday 04/04 – Wednesday 08/04
2016, 7 vs 7, 2 x 25, Saturday 04/04 – Wednesday 08/04
2015, 7 vs 7, 2 x 25, Saturday 04/04 – Wednesday 08/04
2014, 9 vs 9, 2 x 25, Saturday 04/04 – Wednesday 08/04
2013, 9 vs 9, 2 x 25, Saturday 04/04 – Wednesday 08/04
CATEGORY Β LIONS (unlimited number of team participation)
2019, 5 vs 5, 2 x 20, Saturday 04/04 – Wednesday 08/04
2018, 5 vs 5, 2 x 20, Saturday 04/04 – Wednesday 08/04
2017, 5 vs 5, 2 x 20, Saturday 04/04 – Wednesday 08/04
2016, 7 vs 7, 2 x 25, Saturday 04/04 – Wednesday 08/04
2015, 7 vs 7, 2 x 25, Saturday 04/04 – Wednesday 08/04
2014, 9 vs 9, 2 x 25, Saturday 04/04 – Wednesday 08/04
LIONS CATEGORIES (THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE)
The LIONS category relates to the participation of theoretically lower level football teams in separate tournament groups and separate games and applies to the age categories from 2014 to 2019. There will be no LIONS separate groups in age group 2013 (9 vs 9) and the younger age category of 2020. For 2013 there is the option of 11 vs 11 edition to be held on Monday 06/04 – Thursday 09/04.
It is also forbidden for previous year lions competitions semi-finalists and finalist teams to enter this year’s LIONS competitions, provided that they still have almost the same roster with previous year.
The same competition rules and regulations as set out in our rules & regulations publication will apply to both category competitions (Eagles & Lions).
It is strictly forbidden to use or move EAGLES players to LIONS. However, Lions players can play in Eagles groups as described above in the registration process details. IMPORTANT NOTICE:
It is strictly forbidden to move players from EAGLES to LIONS.
GIRLS COMPETITIONS
Girls exceptionally can be registered to play both in girls and boys age groups competitions under different name academies.
U15 GIRLS 11 vs 11 OR 9 VS 9 (2 x 30) SUNDAY 05/04 – TUESDAY 07/04
The right to participate in the Girls’ U-15 Championship will be granted to female players.
who have not exceeded the age of 15 by 01/01/2025, i.e., those born on 01/01/2011 or later.
As an exception, three (3) players born in year 2010 will be allowed to participate. Each team can have an unlimited number of players born in 2010 on their roster, but only three (3) can play simultaneously. A different player born in 2010 can enter the game when a substitution is made, according to the rules of the game.
Unlimited number of girls can be declared.
U13 GIRLS 7 vs 7 (2 x 25) SUNDAY 05/04 – TUESDAY 07/04
The right to participate in the Girls’ U-13 Championship will be granted to female players who have not exceeded the age of 13 by 01/01/2025, i.e., those born on 01/01/2013 or later.
As an exception, up to two (2) players older than 13 years old born in year 2012 will be allowed to participate. Each team can have an unlimited number of players born in 2012, but only two (2) can play simultaneously. A different player born in 2012 can enter the game when a substitution is made, according to the rules of the game.
Unlimited number of girls can be declared.
U11 GIRLS 5 vs 5 (2 x 25) SUNDAY 05/04 – TUESDAY 07/04
The right to participate in the Girls’ U-11 Championship will be granted to female players who have not exceeded the age of 13 by 01/01/2025, i.e., those born on 01/01/2015 or later.
As an exception, up to two (2) players older than 11 years old born in year 2014 will be allowed to participate. Each team can have an unlimited number of players born in 2014, but only two (2) can play simultaneously. A different player born in 2014 can enter the game when a substitution is made, according to the rules of the game.
Unlimited number of girls can be declared.
YOUTH (TEENS 11 VS 11) EDITION
Monday 06/04 – Thursday 09/04.
Arrival prior and departure after the above starting and ending dates.
2013, 11 vs 11, 2 x 30, Monday 06/04 – Thursday 09/04 2012, 11 vs 11, 2 x 30, Monday 06/04 – Thursday 09/04 2011, 11 vs 11, 2 x 30, Monday 06/04 – Thursday 09/04 2010, 11 vs 11, 2 x 30, Monday 06/04 – Thursday 09/04 2009, 11 vs 11, 2 x 30, Monday 06/04 – Thursday 09/04
