Petreon Sculpture Park Larnaca



With great sadness that we announce the death of sculptor and co-author of the Park Petraíon Koúlendrou Sava. The funeral will take place at Holy Redeemer Metropolitan Cathedral in Larnaca on Saturday 27 February 2016 at 12.00 pm. In the meantime the park will remain closed temporarily.







Hello everybody,

Stories are shared experiences, where there are bad and good heroes, where you listen and you are amazed by the adventures and decision others took in a certain moment of their life. Telling stories to kids will give them examples about what others did, what others said... giving more choices about what are they willing to do in their life.



                                   




My today story is about decision, is about beauty, is about the power of doing something that you want no matter what others think.
I did not know if Petreon Sculpture Park would be a place for the kids but I found it to be the perfect one after all. I reached Mazotos, follow the signs, stop the car. The big stones at the entry where like soldiers meant to keep the secrets in... secrets of a life time. Beautiful gates opened in front of me, doors to a beautiful world. A world made of stone meant to be there forever. The most miraculous garden revealed in front of me the entire work of a single men Mr. Savva Kolendrou.









The story goes on surprising me here, where I believed that only the stones will continue to talk. Used to be a builder he decided around his 50th changing his entire life and follow his passion together with his wife. He wanted to sculpt and his wife wanted to take care of the garden. It is a simple pathway in your life, human gestures that only people with courage, lots of love and pathos will follow. He build an amazing house made out of a big stone blocks and started sculpting without having any schools, any experience, any diploma. He decided to spend his life doing what he loved. For many years it has been only his work, his pleasure to live. Later on he had the idea of sharing his art with others, his unique garden, unique sculptures.






I was running around the tragedians, his Adam's and his Eve's, his Angels and his Church and I've got that pleasant feeling that his life will not end because besides his children, his memories, his pictures and everything that he was able to raise, he will be always there in the eyes of each sculpture.









More then 200 different varieties of cactus, as well as a vast array of Mediterranean fruit trees and plants will be waiting for the souls opened to receive their blessing of beauty. The entire garden was the art piece of Mrs. Stavroula Mbirou-Koulendrou his wife.








It is a magnificent park, a place for everybody, for people looking for a quiet time, for peace, a place to meditate, for kids to discover, to learn how stone can be melted in the right hands, for schools to listen the story of each art piece, to sit on the beautiful and shadow sitting place to draw, to paint, to sculpt together with the masters.




I invite you all to discover the unique place in Cyprus The Sculpture Park Petreon and his master Mr. Savva.






Lots of sunny days for Izzy the Cypriot Lizard!

Petreon Sculpture Park
Entrance Fee: 2.50 euro/adults, 1,50 euro/kids
Opening Hours:
Monday-Thursday -09:00 – sunset
Friday: closed
Saturday – Sunday: 09:00 – sunset
Address: Mazotos, Larnaca, Cyprus
Petreon is situated amongs the fields of Mazotos, off the main road leading from Kiti to Zygi. Once on that road it is easy to find us by following the Petreon signs that can be found all the way leading to the Petreon Sculpture Park.
E-mail:petreon@gmail.com
Phone no: +357 99 648 116
Contact person: Mr. Savva Kolendrou



Basketball for kids in Cyprus

Hello everybody,

Could anybody imagine that the original basketball basket was closed at the bottom and a ladder was needed to recover the ball? I suppose not!



Let’s talk about basketball for kids, because no matter how hot or cold it is outside you could play it inside the sports hall.
Basketball is a popular game played on a court by two opposing teams of 5 players; points are scored by throwing the basketball through an elevated horizontal hoop.
The origin of basketball can be traced back to the year 1891. Dr. James Naismith founded this sport. Basketball came into existence as a result of his efforts to find some indoor recreational activity for children in general.
Joining a basketball team requires kids to learn about commitments. Because teams rely on each other so much it is imperative that kids make all their practices and are ready to go on time. They learn about time management and the value of keeping promises. Playing basketball on a regular basis improves coordination & speed, as well as improving strength & cardiovascular health. Ball handling & dribbling also improve fine motor skills.


We have the pleasure to find out more information about Basketball in Cyprus from:
General Manager of the Cyprus Basketball Federation Mr. Athos Antoniou.

Izzy: Dear Mr. Antoniou I would like to introduce you in the world of “Kids Fun in Cyprus”. Please let us know some information about you and the Cyprus Basketball Federation.
A.A.: I would like to thank you for the invitation, and to welcome and invite all kids from “Kids Fun in Cyprus” to explore our Basketball world. Cyprus basketball federation was held in 1965, but the very first basketball “exhibition” game in Cyprus took place in 1947. Now in 2013- 2014 season we have 30 clubs participating in 17 active championships.



Izzy: As part of the basketball world what benefits children could get from playing the game?
A.A.: Discipline, commitment, socializing and a healthier way of living. I believe those are the benefits a kid could get from a sport such as basketball.



Izzy: Is Cyprus prepared to increase the awareness of this game to the new young players? What you could tell us about the practice halls and teachers of basketball for kids?
A.A.: Practice halls can be found at all cities. Basketball halls are generally in good condition. Most of the coaches are people who combine education and previous experience as a basketball player. For sure we have room for improvement, so it is important for the parents to ask other parents and kids about a coach or a club and the practicing conditions.



Izzy: We live a difficult economic period that makes parents afraid to spend too much for their kids after school activity. Is it Basketball an expensive game to play? What are the costs of choosing this game to be a part of your life and also the financial benefits of the future?
A.A.: Depending on the club, the monthly fees for the basketball academies varies from 20 to 50 euros.



Izzy: Are there any children basketball competition that they can join, of course after they gain the skills (what are kids’ ages who can join the competition)? What are the Cyprus junior team results and activity up to now?
A.A.: Cyprus Basketball Federation Championships start from 8 years old (U10 Championship), the so called mini Championships. Our U16 women National team, was the winner of the European championship (category C) last year. We have different age groups national teams (Under 16, Under 18, Under 20 years old) which every year participate at international competitions.



Izzy: What you could tell to the parents to make them interested to bring their kids to the sports hall?
A.A.: Sports can create strong characters and help their kids to socialize, I think those are the 2 main benefits, parents should consider.






Izzy: Do you believe that Sports in general and Basket in particular could help Cyprus?
A.A.: Especially for small countries like ours, sport is our ambassador abroad and gives the opportunity to young players and clubs to promote their self and their country abroad.



Thank you very much for this opportunity and I hope that more parents will choose Basketball to be the sport to practice in their kids free time.


Lots of sunny days from Izzy the Cypriot Lizard!


Where: All cities around Cyprus
When :Lessons hours and days: on a daily basis depending on the club
How much: Lessons prices 20-50 euros depending on club

CLUBS:



NICOSIA: KERAVNOS AKIS GRIGORIOU 99545420


APOEL CLUB NO. 22210333


ETHA YIANNOS ARISTOTELOUS 99420814


OMONIA GEORGE ANDREOU 99465970


ENAD AGGELOS PELAGIAS 99661195


ACHILLEAS KAIMAKLIOU DEMETRIS SIAMMAS 99406849


OLIMPOS YIANNOS PANTELIDES 99430896


ENOSI KOKINOTRIMITHIAS NICOS NICOLAOU 99438909


NBA MARIOS ANAXAGOROU 99317700


YOUTH STARS ADONIS CHRISTOU 99443024








LARNACA: AEK CATERINA GARCIA 96332624


ZINWNAS MICHALIS MICHAEL 99338099


ARADIPPOU

99666713








LIMASSOL: AEL ANDREAS ANDREOU



MJ BASKET LOUKIA DEMETRIOU 99645839


APOLON POLINA 25344156


ENATH KYPROS MATHAIOU 99447390


ERIMI HLIAS SOKRATOUS 99696115


ANAGENNISI CHRISTAKIS KITROMILIDES 99687504


ASTERAS EVGENIOS SAVVA 99336158








PAFOS APOP ANTONIS DEMETRIOU 99200620








PARALIMNI ENOSI PARALIMNIOU ANTONIS ARTIMATAS 99479707


ONISILLOS YIANNAKIS YIANNI 99541747




Cyprus Basketball Federation


Address: 
21, Amfipoleos Str., Strovolos
2025, Nicosia, Cyprus
Phone no: +357 22 449 830
Fax no.: +357 22 449 835
E-mail:eva@basketball.org.cy
Webpage:www.basketball.org.cy

APOP Basketball Club Paphos

Contact person: Mr. Antonis Demetriou – Coaches Director
Phone no: +357 99 200 620
Lessons fees: 30 euros / month (first month is free)
for the kids under the age of 7 is free
Lesson schedule and places 2013-2014


ΚΛΙΜΑΚΙΟ ΓΥΜΝΑΣΙΟΥ ΑΓ.ΠΑΡΑΣΚΕΥΗΣ(ΓΕΡΟΣΚΗΠΟΥ):
Monday
Τhusday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
15:ΟΟ-16:ΟΟ
(7-10years)
15:00-16:00
(7-10years)
15:00-16:00
(7-10years)
15:00-16:00
(7-10years)
15:00-16:00
(7-10years)
10:00-11:00
(7-10years)
16:00-17:00
(11-14years)
16:00-17:00
(11-14years)
16:00-17:00
(11-14 years)
16:00-17:00
(11-14 years)
16:00-17:00
(11-14 years)
11:00-12:00
(11-14 years)

ΚΛΙΜΑΚΙΟ ΕΜΠΑΣ (ΓΥΜΝΑΣΙΟ):
Monday
Τhusday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
16:30-18:00
(11-14 years)

16:30-18:30
(7-10years)

16:30-18:00
(11-14 years)

10:00-11:30
(7-10 years)

ΚΛΙΜΑΚΙΟ ΕΜΠΑΣ(ΛΥΚΕΙΟ):
Monday
Τhusday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday

15:00-16:00
(7-10 years)


15:00-16:00
(7-10 χρ.)


16:00-17:00
(10 years bigger then)


16:00-17:00
(10 years bigger then)


ΚΛΙΜΑΚΙΟ ΓΥ. ΑΠ ΠΑΥΛΟΥ:
Monday
Τhusday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday

15:00-16:00
(4-7 years)
16:00 – 17:00
( 7- 10 years)

15:00-16:00
(4-7 years)
10:30 – 11:30
( 7- 10 years)

16:00-17:00
(10 years bigger then)


16:00-17:00
(10 years bigger then)


ΚΛΙΜΑΚΙΟ Β’ ΛΥΚΕΙΟΥ:
Monday
Τhusday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
15:00 – 16:00
(10-12 years)
15:00-16:00
(4-7 years)

15:00 – 16:00
(10-12 years)
15:00-16:00
(4-7 years)
10:30 – 11:30
( 7- 10 years)
16:00 – 17:30
( U-16 women)
16:00 – 17:30
( U-16 women)
16:00 – 17:30
( U-16 women)
16:00 – 17:30
( U-16 women)
16:00 – 17:30
( U-16 women)


ΚΛΙΜΑΚΙΟ Α’ ΛΥΚΕΙΟΥ:
Monday
Τhusday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
14:30 – 16:00
( U-18 men)
14:30 – 16:00
( U-18 men)
14:30 – 16:00
( U-18 men)
14:30 – 16:00
( U-18 men)
14:30 – 16:00
( U-18 men)

16:00 – 17:30
(U-16 men)
16:00 – 17:30
(U-16 men)
16:00 – 17:30
(U-16 men)
16:00 – 17:30
(U-16 men)
16:00 – 17:30
(U-16 men)

17:30-19:00
(U-14 men)

17:30-19:00
(U-14men)
17:30-19:00
(U-14men)
17:30-19:00
(U-14men)
17:30-19:00
(U-14men)









The famous promenade on Ledra Street for kids and parents – Nicosia

Hello everybody,

Ledra Street is a major shopping thoroughfare in central Nicosia, which links the North and South of the city.
It is the site of the former Ledra Street barricade where the street ran across the United Nations buffer zone. The barricade was removed in April 2008 and Ledra Street became the sixth crossing between the southern and northern parts of Cyprus.
The name of the street refers to the ancient city-kingdom of Ledra, established in 1050 BC, that was located in the center of the island where the capital city is today. You could choose to park next to the city walls making life easier for the parents with small children.




The old, narrow and busy street full of nice coffee shops and restaurants will remind you that you are crossing Cyprus heart. Old merchants, old and new shops, traditions, history... people that will remember about the old days. Tourists. Young people losing around their first experiences of "life". Having kids sometimes makes difficult the integration in a tourist area, but in Cyprus there is place for everybody. Admire the old buildings, watch the people enjoying their coffee, start a small chat with an old Cypriot will make you feel good, will make you live your day. Everybody is welcome here.






If you are hungry and wish to enjoy a fresh and cheaper meal you could choose to eat at Debenhams restaurant at the 5th floor. With a fantastic view of the city stopping here will always be a pleasure. Debenhams department stores is found in Shackolas Tower which is currently the highest building in old Nicosia. It is considered a hallmark of the city's old town. The first 5 floors are Debenhams department stores and the 6th floor is a cafeteria offering a panoramic view of the old city of Nicosia. The 11th floor is an observatory and a museum overlooking the whole capital. There are telescopes, binoculars and a recorded feature on the history of the capital.






Straight ahead from Debenhams in about 300 m you could stop at Heraclis Ice-Cream a place opened since 1939.









Maybe you will pass by, without seeing the entry but you will be able to notice the trampoline and maybe the nice playground in their back yard.











Everybody goes there for a coffee, one of their magnificent cookies or of course traditional ice cream. Owned now by the third generation family Iraklis Dimitriou, they are delivering the best ice cream in town made by the same old principles pure raw materials, Cyprus fresh milk, fresh fruit, free dyes and preservatives. 









The "back yard" is offering a pleasant shadow for the parents relaxation. The playground is quite big for one exactly in the center of the city with slides, trampoline, tunnels, climbing areas, simply the best place to stop after a nice walk on the famous street.









Lots of sunny days from Izzy the Cypriot Lizard!

Heraclis Ice-Cream
Address: 4 Kallistratous street, Engomi, 1601 Nicosia, Cyprus
Opening hours: 09:00 – 22:00
Phone no: +357 22 664 198


The Train on Ledra street




Children and parents could enjoy on Ledra Street also a wonderful day on the train. An exciting journey "A Walk History" in the heart of Nicosia's Ledra Street in the pedestrian zone - Onasagorou and intramural. The sidewalks Nicosia has to meet through a different lens culture development, the unique beauty of the attractions and archaeological sites of our beautiful city. Nicosia Train, with modern and friendly image, begins his travels Square Ledra and Onasagorou following three different fairy trails. Sit back and enjoy the trip with this beautiful, yet dreamy tour with all the surprises. Savour the fantastic views of old Nicosia, from the comfort of wagon train safely. At the end of each route stop at Ledra Square Onasagorou and to explore the picturesque streets and pedestrian prior Nicosia within the walls of the Neighborhood Democratic Leventis Municipal Museum of the City Hall and other modules. The tour trips made throughout the year. The train starts its journey every 40 minutes from 11:00 in the morning until 7.00 in the evening (Tuesday to Sunday), also every public holiday. You will be able to listens information about the tour inside the train in Greek and English.
Route 1
A Walk History Journey "PEZODROMOS LEDRA church FANEROMENIS, ONASAGOROU". Trip lasts about 15 minutes and passes through the Venetian walls of the 16th century in the heart of the city, in the heart of the market in pedestrian Ledra Onasagorou. The route will go from the 11th floor observatory tower Shacola showing panoramic throughout the city of Nicosia.Visitors can admire the city and its monuments from four different sides, which correspond to the four cardinal points.Then we will go in front of the Church Revealed one of the largest churches in Nicosia.You know the charm and beauty of the old town across the narrow streets towards the Onasagorou. You will see the elegant courtyards of the manors.Both the Ledra and lead to the Onasagorou liveliest part of the old city.Luxuriate starting the tour with a cup of coffee from the sidewalk cafes.The stores offer a unique pedestrian personal and intimate experience for visitors.
Route 2
A Walking History Journey"ARCHDIOCESE".Trip lasts about 40 minutes and passes by the most famous sights of Old Nicosia, like the plot of Ledra Street, the Church Revealed, the Cross of Misirrikou, the St. Sava church, the church Trypiotis, the Postal Museum , the People's Neighborhood, the Leventis Municipal Museum, Mosque (Mosque) Omerye, Baths Omerye, Mansion Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios where houses the Cyprus Ethnological Museum, the New and Old Archbishopric, the Cathedral of St. John, the Ethnographic Museum of Cyprus The National Struggle Museum, the Library Severios The Pancyprian Gymnasium, Promochonas Podocataro and the Freedom Monument, the bastion of Konstanz Venetian walls where the Mosque (Mosque) Bayraktar, the trench D'avila the Municipal Library and the Town Hall.
Route 3
A Walking History Journey"GATE PAPHOS "The trip lasts about 25 minutes starting from the Ledra Square - Onasagorou following Rigainis route passing through the Venetian walls of old Nicosia, direction following the Paphos Gate Avenue Museum where we will meet the Municipal Theater, Cyprus Museum, the House of Representatives and the Municipal garden.Then head to the Statue of Marcus Dragon, reference the Venetian walls and bastion Rokka, cross the street Paphos with reference to the Catholic Church, provided the Paphos Gate, the Kasteliotissa, the Maronite Church of Our Lady of Graces.Then we go out on the street Arsinoe towards the pedestrian and Ledra Onasagorou with references to the architecture of the old city.
Duration of trips:
15 minutes approximately connection Ledra Revealed and Onasagorou
40 minutes for route Archdiocese
25 minutes for route Paphos Gate in Nicosia * The train stops for 10 minutes in the Archdiocese.
Admission:
€ 2 for adults and children: route Ledra Revealed and Onasagorou.
€ 4 for adults and children: route Archdiocese
€ 3 for adults and children: route Paphos Gate
Train station you can take the train from: Freedom Square
Days and hours of operation:Tuesday - Sunday : 11:00 - 19:00
Monday off unless it is a public holiday in which we operate properly.
Nicosia Train starts its journey every 40 minutes.

Phone: +357 70007696