The power of will, the beauty of diversity, and the spirit of perseverance officially “took off” on 7 November with the presentation of the “Yes I Can” photo exhibition, featuring Cypriot Paralympic athletes, hosted at Larnaka International Airport.
Hermes Airports and the Cyprus National Paralympic Committee, with the support of the Kateryna Biloruska Foundation, joined forces to showcase the stories and faces of Cypriot para-athletes the people who prove every day that limits exist only to be overcome.
Displayed along the airport’s arrival corridors and at a dedicated stand in the departures area, the exhibition captures through the lens of photography the strength, perseverance, and brilliance of athletes who inspire with their example. The initiative forms part of the “Yes I Can” social campaign, which celebrates unity, diversity, and a positive mindset, sending a powerful message: true strength lies in the soul and in believing in oneself.
“Yes, I Can” brings to life the resilience, achievements, and leadership of 15 extraordinary Paralympic athletes of Cyprus:
• Andreas Aravis (Para Table Tennis)
• Viktoras Pentaras (Long Jump, T37)
• Marios Philippou (S14 Para Swimming)
• Loizos Chrysanthou (S10 Para Swimming)
• Marios Lambrou (Para Archery)
• Kyriakos Demetriou (Para Archery)
• Panayiotis Kommor (Para Archery)
• Christos Misos (Para Archery)
• Giorgos Achilleos (Para Dance)
• Andreas Charalambous (Para Powerlifting, 67 kg)
• Andreas Doulappas (Para Triathlon)
• Andreas Beros (Para Athletics 400 m, 100 m T38)
• Karolina Pelendritou (Para Swimming)
• Maria Markou (Para Powerlifting)
• Charalambos Hatzikonstanti (Para Archery)
During the presentation event, representatives of the organizing partners highlighted the importance of inclusion and equality through sport, as well as the strength that emerges when collaboration serves the shared goals of empowerment and acceptance.
Welcoming the exhibition, Maria Kouroupi, Director of Αviation Development, Marketing & Communications at Hermes Airports, stated, “We are very pleased to host this exhibition at Larnaka International Airport. Each of these athletes embodies courage, perseverance, and human strength at its purest form. Through the exhibition, we wish to remind every traveler passing through our airport that inclusion and respect are not just values to embrace but they are the foundation of a better, more united society. This exhibition is a celebration of humanity, resilience, and hope.”
Andreas Roumbas, President of the Cyprus National Paralympic Committee, stated, “Our athletes embody resilience and strength every single day. Through ‘Yes, I Can’, we want to inspire young people with disabilities to take their first step into sport and to show society that inclusion is not an option — it is a necessity. We are proud to bring this message to life.”
Kateryna Biloruska, Founder of the Kateryna Biloruska Foundation, noted, “At our foundation, we believe that sport is one of the strongest tools for empowerment and social change. With this campaign, we aim not only to celebrate the achievements of Cyprus’ Paralympic champions but also to create opportunities for the next generation of young athletes. Diversity is our power, and sport is our voice that can be heard louder worldwide.”
By hosting the “Yes I Can” exhibition, Hermes Airports and Cyprus National Paralympic Committee offers thousands of travelers the opportunity to discover the stories of Cyprus’ para-athletes and to be inspired by their strength, passion, and determination. Each photograph is a window into struggle, triumph, and the unbreakable spirit of the human soul.
