Sophia Papamichalopoulos, OLY

SDGs:

IOC YL BIO:

Sophia Papamichalopoulos is an Olympic alpine skier who competed at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games together with her brother, and was Cyprus' flagbearer during the closing ceremony. She is a medical doctor and surgical resident, yet remains engaged in sports and the Olympic Movement, serving as a member on a number of commissions, including the IOC and World Sailing Medical Commissions. As an IOC Young Leader, she focuses on peacebuilding, inspired by her conflict-affected homeland. Her belief in sport's transformative power led to "Winds of Change," a sailing programme bringing together youth from the two divided communities in Cyprus. This initiative has achieved the feat of circumnavigating Cyprus for the first time in fifty years. A documentary film showcasing this historic journey aims to inspire young people worldwide to promote peace through sport.

Sophia Papamichalopoulos, OLY is a member of the Olympic Programme Commission and the Medical and Scientific Commission

PROJECT:

Winds of Change

What we do: Winds of Change builds bridges between the two divided communities in Cyprus through sport, and inspires young people to drive positive change towards a peaceful future.

How we do it? Through a unique sailing program designed to challenge, empower, and inspire, Winds of Change created a shared vision that brought together young Greek and Turkish Cypriots. As participants progressed through the program, they developed personally and gained valuable sailing skills, culminating in a unique journey together.

How far we’ve come On the International Day of Peace 2023, Winds of Change succeeded in completing the first circumnavigation of Cyprus in 50 years. A documentary film showcasing this historic journey aims to reach young people across the globe and promote peace through sport.

ONLINE:

Winds of Change on Instagram
Winds of Change on LinkedIn
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