President Nikos Christodoulides said Sunday that construction of a model Autism Center in the free Famagusta district is underway and will be completed within 18 months, calling the project the state’s “minimum obligation” to citizens with autism.
Speaking after taking part in the “Run for Autism” charity race in Ayia Napa, Christodoulides said the initiative began as a volunteer‑driven effort five years ago and has now grown into an international event with more than 5,000 participants from 20 countries.
All proceeds, he said, will support services for people with autism in the region, where needs are particularly acute.
The president recalled announcing the project during a regional meeting in Paralimni in February 2025.
“We did not stop at the announcement — we moved forward,” he said. The center, budgeted at €4.5 million, has been included in state spending plans and is being advanced in cooperation with the Ayia Napa municipality, which issued the design tender on March 23.
Christodoulides said the government is committed to delivering the project on schedule. “It is the least we owe as a state to our fellow citizens,” he said.
Asked about his participation in the race, he described the run as enjoyable and said he trains daily for about an hour to an hour and a half before beginning his workday, calling it essential for meeting the demands of his office.