Combining sport and life-saving donations
The Cyprus Red Cross, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health’s Blood Centre, the Cyprus Football Association (CFA), and the Cyprus Footballers’ Association (PASP), has launched the “Blood Championship” campaign to boost blood reserves and promote a culture of regular blood donation. The initiative was announced on Monday during a press conference at the Blood Centre.
The campaign invites football fans to visit donation centres, declare the team they support, and donate blood, contributing to their team’s “donation score.” The team with the highest participation will be crowned “Champion of Life.” The campaign runs from 30 March 2026 until 20 June 2026.
Messages from officials
Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides described the initiative as “an outstanding and deeply human effort by the Cyprus Red Cross, translating solidarity and social responsibility into action.” He emphasised that “each unit of blood is an act of life and hope” and called on citizens to participate actively, highlighting the campaign’s combination of sport and humanitarian purpose.
Cyprus Red Cross President Fotini Papadopoulou noted the long-standing importance of voluntary blood donation in Cyprus since 1969. She explained that the campaign, inspired by a similar initiative in Norway, seeks to engage society by linking sport with life-saving contributions. “Every drop is a pass of hope. Give blood. Save a life,” she said, urging widespread participation.
Androulla Panayiotou, Head of the Blood Centre, stressed the constant daily demand for blood in Cyprus, with approximately 350 units needed each day. She described the campaign as a way to attract new donors and raise awareness of the importance of voluntary donation, stating that “in this championship, the only winner is life itself.”
Support from football organisations
CFA President Charis Loizides highlighted the role of football in uniting fans for a social cause, encouraging clubs and citizens to participate and transform their passion into life-saving action. PASP Executive President Spyros Neophytides confirmed full support from the footballers’ association, offering participation from all members, both domestic and international, male and female.
How to participate
The campaign runs until 20 June 2026. Citizens can donate blood at the following centres across Cyprus:
- Nicosia: Blood Donation Centre, 1st Floor, Egkomi Health Centre – Tel: 22809098, 22809052
- Limassol: Blood Donation Centre, Old Limassol Hospital – Tel: 25730275, 25730276, 25730277
- Larnaca: Blood Donation Centre, 3rd Floor, New Wing, General Hospital – Tel: 24800402, 24800555
- Paphos: Vasileos Konstantinou 89, Royal Business Center – Tel: 26306409
- Famagusta: Sotiras 2, Paralimni – Tel: 99287584, 23812121
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