It is really an honour to host this assembly in our country, here in Cyprus, which we are proud to describe as a place historically linked to physical education and sports.

We are aware of the importance of this annual assembly, where all 50 federations of FIBA Europe are gathered here to discuss issues pertaining to basketball, one of the most popular sports today. Some say that basketball is the second most popular sport. I think that it would be safe to say that it is the first most popular one.

The importance of this meeting is related to the tasks of FIBA-Europe, that include promoting, supervising and directing international competition at the club level, as well as governing and appointing European international referees. In our country we apply policies and programmes with the vision to spread the love for sport and physical activity within society. Basketball is the first among the major sports in public schools.

At the same time we believe that at the international level, sports activities are offered as one of the best ways to bring people together and give the message of cooperation, friendship and peace. In this context and despite its small size, Cyprus follows international events and is present in all basketball competitions at all levels.

I would like to thank the Cyprus Basketball Federation and President Louis Demetriou for the invitation and I wish you success in your endeavours. I am certain that your deliberations will produce such results that will meet the expectations and the aspirations of thousands of young basketball players and millions of fans all around Europe.