Build for a better future. Kids Gooo Smart!

Hello everybody,

Choosing the right toy for your kid can be sometimes a very difficult challenge for a parent. As you reach a Toy Shop and you are starting to look around all the big boxes, all the dolls, trains, cubes, cars, games and so many more. You finally get tired searching you grab something that you believe that will be fun... and you end up at home with a useless, noise making, easy braking toy that will end up her life in the garbage so soon.... too soon comparing with the amount that you spend on it.
For this reason I decided to promote here also toys that will give children the opportunity to develop, to learn, to be creative, to spend quality time with their parents and family .





My first choice will always go to building blocks as they are involving a kid from building until the end act to play and to imagine. Construction toys seem ideally suited to kids as they may also help them develop: motor skills and hand-eye coordination, spatial skills, a capacity for creative, divergent thinking, social skills, and language skills. Moreover, kids can integrate their own constructions into pretend play scenarios and combine them with other toys. There is also evidence that complex block-play is linked with advanced math skills in later life. Researchers found that 4-years who played with blocks in more complex ways were more likely to achieve high math scores in high school.




I choose to introduce you a brand that everybody could afford, making us the parents an easier life when we talk about buying them. It is fantastic to know that it is not mandatory to choose expensive brands where playing has become a luxury but we can have a better experience choosing the right one which makes playing a wonderful experience for kids and parents alike.




With a large selection of bricks boxes for girls and for boys, from less to more experienced builders I found their products to be the right choice in this field! A very detailed catalog allows you to check on information about every box and of course you will end up buying more then expected as it is easy and fun making it online www.banbao.com.cy




You will end up owning a perfect box containing all the information and all the bricks necessary to spend an entertaining day with your kids. The building instructions are clear, easy to follow by the small kids. It is nice that at the beginning you spend time with your child explaining him how to follow the instructions and start building. It can be a catching gesture as the minute you start showing him you will also like it and you will end up enjoying together the entire experience. The bricks are very good quality, nice colors choices, they fit tight, perfectly, together, are easy to handle and come at a very affordable price.






You could choose between so many adventures: building airplanes, ratchets, spaceships, Cargo trucks, castles, refinery, restaurants, flower shops and many more. You could choose from Junior category form 18 months old to after three years old category of toys.
BanBao helps children to explore different worlds to increase vocabulary and to dream about new adventures.






You can get the most out of your BanBao bricks by getting down with your kid and play together. You could challenge kids with specific building tasks, stimulate pretend play with character toys and other accessories, combine block play with story-time (Researcher Janie Heisner used toy blocks and block- accessories to illustrate parts of the stories she read to kids in a preschool (Heisner 2005). After each story, the kids were given access to the props. This tactic seemed to increase pretend play. It also gave kids ideas for things to build), encourage cooperative building projects.




I will also like to mention that BanBao has special offers for kindergartens and it could be a fantastic decision if more people will encourage this kind of playing in their environments.
Choosing the right toy for your kids, the one that develop skills and improve brain activity is easy now in Cyprus with BanBao products.
Lots of sunny days from Izzy the Cypriot lizard!



From the Manufacturer

BanBao presents high quality educational building blocks. Our marketing, development and production team work to ensure that children of every age group are introduced to BanBao toys that let them chase their dreams. BanBao products should inspire and contribute to any child's educational development at a reasonable value. BanBao goal and vision is to challenge children to explore the boundaries of their own creativity with a new and educational brand of toys. BanBao plans to go about achieving these directives by developing lines toys that are in synch with the children’s realm of thought. BanBao ensures that the safety licenses prescribed by law are adhered to and by constant progression and development in the field of educational toys per age group.









BanBao Toys

E-mail: epiclide@mtnmail.com.cy
Address: 29, Karpenisiou Str., Apt 301 Strovolos 2021 Nicosia
Phone: +357 99 312 789
Fax: +357 22 318 448
Contact person: Charalambos Ioannou

Shop online:  www.banbao.com.cy

Order by phone: 7000 8881
Mavromatis Books & Stationery, Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos,Tel.: 77777650
BE - BE Makariou Shop, Nicosia, Tel.: 22751773
BE - BE Solonos Shop, Pallouriotissa, Nicosia, Tel.: 22349538

MCM Megastores  Kokkinotrimithia, Nicosia Tel.: 22836120
The Twister Tree, Lakatamia, Nicosia, Tel.: 22388311
Zorpas "miky" Baby Centre, Nicosia, Tel.: 22316882
Rivergate, Nicosia, Tel.:22572722
The Funky Store, Nicosia, Tel.: 22101593
Zorpas "Miky" Baby Centre, Larnaca, Tel.: 24531146
Ambizas Shop, Larnaca, Tel.: 24653254
MAVROS Limassol, Yermasoyia, Tel,:25583165

The Art Pop Shop, Limassol, Tel.: 99664686
Yialousiana Toys, Paphos, Tel.: 26935458
Super Action Sports and Toys, Paralimni, Tel.: 23 825180
Garden Plus Dherynia, Tel.: 23743753




Twitter: @BanBaoCyprus









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)