On Monday evening, the Cyprus Sports Journalists Association (EAK) awarded those who excelled in journalistic work. The ceremony, held at the Presidential Palace, also honoured figures in sports journalism as part of the fifth journalism awards by EAK.
In his address, the President of the Cyprus Sports Organisation (KOA), Yiannis Ioannou, stated that the evening was dedicated to sports journalists and photographers who distinguished themselves through their work over the year.
“Your role in the country’s sports scene is significant, and the progress of sports in our small island in terms of population and size also depends on you,” he said, addressing the awardees.
He pointed out that sports journalists have the ability to assess and critique objectively, with the interests of sports in mind, adding, “You rightly critique whenever negative events overshadow sports in our country. With the same determination, you should highlight the many positive aspects that sports on our island have to offer.”
The President of the Cyprus Sports Journalists Association, Herodotos Miltiadou, remarked that the field of sports journalism, and journalism more broadly, is under threat, with challenging working conditions.
He noted that events like these “aim to highlight the positives in our field and give sports journalists a rare opportunity to hear some positive words and praise.”
Mr Miltiadou spoke about the award recipients and honourees and thanked the Board and members of EAK, as well as the President of the Republic for hosting the event at the Presidential Palace.
According to an EAK announcement, the Journalism Awards were established by a decision of EAK’s Board of Directors in 2020 to recognise quality work across all media formats.
Awards
In the category “Football Photography,” first place went to Marios Gregoriou, and second place to Nikos Savvides.
In the “Action Sports Photography” category, Anastasia Karekla won first place, with Andreas Iacovou taking second place.
In the “Photography Away from the Action” category, Konstantinos Kyprianou took first place, and Charis Savvidou won second place.
In the “Article Writing” category, Eftychios Giazis took second place, while in the “Feature” category, Marios Polydorou won second place.
In the “Interview” category, Panos Larkos emerged as the winner, with Andrea Kafa taking second place.
In the “Audiovisual” category, Andri Kasapi was the winner, with Savvas Kosiaris coming in second.
Additional awards, established by EAK in 2022, were also presented.
This year, the Press Office Award went to the Cyprus Handball Federation’s Press Office (KOH) for its invaluable assistance to the media in promoting the sport.
The Media Facilities Award was given to the Cyprus Football Association’s Press Office (KOP) for its media facilities at the EURO U17 2024 stadiums.
The Savvides family of photographers (Pambos, Sakis, Nikos, and Charis) received an honorary award in recognition of three generations of sports photojournalists’ invaluable contribution to documenting and promoting Cyprus’s sports history.
Akis Kyriakou was honoured for his efforts to include and integrate disabled sports journalists in stadium workplaces.
Petros Papayiorgis was recognised for his contributions to lesser-known sports through his programme “Behind the Showcase” on SPOR FM 95, and Stella Socratous was recognised as the longest-serving active female sports journalist in Cyprus.
The Omonia Press Office was recognised for creating “OMONOIA TV,” the first Cypriot team channel on a television platform.
Chrysanthos Chrysanthou, George Chr. Georgiou, and Petros Chatzichristodoulou were honoured for their book publications over the past year.
Source: CNA/ZS/KHR
