President Nikos Christodoulides announced the establishment of an Autism Centre in Ayia Napa on the sidelines of the 5th charity race “Run for Autism Half Marathon,” which took place on Sunday in Ayia Napa.
This year’s event recorded a participation record, with more than 4,500 runners from 20 countries. The President himself took part in the five‑kilometre race. All proceeds will be allocated to support people with autism.
In his remarks, Christodoulides described the creation of the Autism Centre in the Famagusta district as “the least the State owes,” noting that the project has already been set in motion with state funding of €4.5 million.
Ayia Napa Mayor Christos Zannetou said the Autism Centre will be built in the Kokkines area, near the local police station. The project was put to tender on 23 March, with interested contractors having until 21 April to submit bids.
The mayor added that the goal is to sign a contract with the successful bidder by next September and to start initial construction works before the end of the year. Construction is expected to last 18 months.