Harmony by the Shore: Youth Beach Tennis for Peace in Cyprus
September 22In the ongoing effort to bridge cultural divides and promote peace in Cyprus, a group of passionate young peacebuilders — Katerina Panagi, Paris Zingis, Margarita Georgiadi, Evie Theocharous and Stylianos Hadjiforados—has come together to launch Harmony by the Shore: Youth Beach Tennis for Peace. Funded by the Commonwealth Year of Youth 2023/24 and supported by the Cyprus Youth DiplomaCY organisation, this initiative uses the universal language of sports to unite the Turkish-Cypriot and Greek-Cypriot communities. Focused on the values of unity, respect, and inclusivity, the project uses beach tennis as a platform to address societal challenges and empower youth to become active agents of positive change.
Harmony by the Shore goes beyond the boundaries of traditional sporting events. It is a holistic peacebuilding initiative that fosters dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among diverse communities. The project’s core vision is rooted in the belief that sports can transcend cultural, social, and political barriers, creating an environment where people can connect, share experiences, and build lasting relationships. The initiative also aligns itself with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on gender equality, climate action, and partnership development.
At the heart of the initiative is the Beach Tennis Tournaments, symbolic and unifying events designed to bring together youth from both the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot communities. Participants engage in friendly competition, forming cross-cultural teams to encourage cooperation and mutual understanding. The sessions serve as a catalyst for dialogue, breaking down barriers and fostering connections between youth from different backgrounds.
Additionally, the initiative incorporates peacebuilding workshops focused on conflict resolution and collaboration. These sessions equip participants with essential life skills, such as empathy and teamwork, while promoting peaceful coexistence.
The initiative places a strong emphasis on empowering young people as the driving force behind social change. Through empowerment talks and panel discussions, participants are inspired by local peacebuilders and athletes, who share their experiences of overcoming adversity and working toward a peaceful society. These discussions highlight the crucial role youth play as peace ambassadors within their communities.
In addition to promoting peace, the project takes a broader approach by addressing social justice and climate action. As part of the initiative, participants engage in a beach cleanup activity aimed at raising awareness about environmental stewardship. This aligns with the project’s commitment to the SDGs, particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
As the events unfold throughout September and October 2024, the ultimate goal of Harmony by the Shore is to leave a lasting impact on Cyprus by creating an environment where future generations can thrive in unity and peace. By fostering cross-cultural connections and promoting inclusivity, the initiative seeks to create long-term partnerships and networks of young peacebuilders who will continue to champion the cause of harmony in their communities
Harmony by the Shore: Youth Beach Tennis for Peace is more than a sports event—it is a movement that seeks to unite a divided island. With youth at the forefront, this initiative paves the way for a brighter, more peaceful future where sports act as a bridge between cultures, fostering mutual respect and understanding. As Cyprus continues its journey toward reconciliation, Harmony by the Shore stands as a powerful testament to the role of youth and sports in building lasting peace.
You can find more about the upcoming events and follow our journey on our social media pages and register to participate in our sessions here:
