The ENA Foundation, a new social impact foundation that began its work in 2025, is turning its vision into action — a vision of a society that progresses through collaboration, empowerment, and giving. The Foundation announced the inclusion of eight Olympic and Paralympic-level champions in its “Beyond the Medal” program. Through this pioneering initiative, the eight athletes will receive more than €350,000 in total financial support over the next three years, aiming to strengthen both their athletic journey and their educational and professional development.

In collaboration with the Cyprus Sports Organization (KOA), the selected athletes — chosen through a defined evaluation process — are Marios Georgiou (Artistic Gymnastics), Milan Trajkovic (Athletics), Konstantina Georgiou (Cycling), Markos Kontopoulos (Shooting), Marilena Makri (Sailing/ILCA 6), Andreas Beros (Para-Athletics), Natasa Lappa (Windsurfing), and Iosif Kesidis (Hammer Throw).

Running until 2028, “Beyond the Medal” is the first program of its kind in Cypriot sports, actively promoting the concept of a “dual career.” It supports Cypriot athletes with the potential to compete in the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, helping them gain the tools and knowledge needed for a smooth and successful transition from their athletic career to their professional life. At the same time, the program strengthens their ongoing athletic development by providing the means to continue competing and reaching for the top.

The support includes a comprehensive framework of empowerment, covering educational assistance (tuition fees, accommodation, and study expenses, as well as mentorship for balancing sports and studies) and athletic support through high-level coaching, access to specialized facilities, and scientific guidance (nutrition, physiotherapy, psychology), along with coverage of equipment and travel expenses for international competitions.

Participants were selected based on three main criteria: athletic performance, academic progress, and socioeconomic status, ensuring that the support is directed toward athletes with dedication, potential, and genuine need. The Evaluation Committee included representatives from the ENA Foundation, the Cyprus Sports Organization (KOA), the Cyprus Olympic Athletes Association, former Olympic-level champions, and representatives from the University of Nicosia, European University, and Frederick University.

“The Beyond the Medal program is an investment in the people who, through their talent and dedication, inspire us to see the power of consistency, effort, and hope. For the ENA Foundation, supporting these athletes is not limited to the present — it is a commitment to helping them build a future with purpose and longevity,” said Konstantinos Kaillis, one of the Foundation’s coordinators.

Commenting on the program, KOA President Yiannis Ioannou stated: “The program is of great importance, as it targets athletes who balance their demanding sports commitments with their studies and academic development. We consider this dual path highly significant, and this is why the Cyprus Sports Organization actively supports, encourages, and promotes the Dual Career of our athletes.”

The ENA Foundation’s mission is to empower society through actions focused on three key pillars: the individual, communities, and the wider public. Its approach is based on the concept of a social pyramid, where change begins with the individual and expands collectively throughout society.

The individual: Through the “Beyond the Medal” program, the Foundation supports athletes by strengthening both their athletic journey and their educational and professional growth.

Communities: With the “Grants for Change” program, the Foundation supports Cypriot non-profit organizations, providing funding for initiatives promoting social empowerment and the inclusion of vulnerable groups.

The wider public: Through “Envision Together,” the Foundation promotes the creation and improvement of public spaces, enhancing social interaction and collective experience.

Every initiative of the ENA Foundation serves as tangible proof that change is not a distant concept, but a journey that begins with one person, one action, one community. Because change starts with ONE — and becomes real when we make it happen together.

Learn more about the ENA Foundation and its programs at https://ena.org.cy.