Challenge | Empower | Inspire | Together

Winds of change

“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people like little else does.”

our Mission

Challenge

Challenge young people to move outside their comfort zone in order to create a more peaceful future for themselves and the future generations.

Empower

Develop strong leadership, team-building, communication skills in addition to learning fundamental sailing and water awareness skills to help them to safely embark on this journey.

Inspire

Through our journey,  inspire others to increase bi-communal activities on the island and encourage the use of sport as a peace catalyst.

Together

Promote friendship, dialogue, understanding, and collaboration between the communities, and foster a common vision.

our vision

A sailing journey with a common purpose.

IOC Young LEADERS AND PANASONIC

The Winds of Change initiative was designed and developed by Olympian and IOC Young Leader from Cyprus Dr. Sophia Papamichalopoulos OLY, with the support of the International Olympic Committee Young Leaders Programme. Worldwide Olympic Partner Panasonic has been supporting the programme as a founding partner. Panasonic is committed to supporting the IOC Young Leaders through various initiatives and creative expertise, to help enhance their projects.

“The IOC Young Leaders Programme has offered me support, not only through its targeted curriculum and seed funding, but moreover to believe that this project was possible. Once the project was developed, the fact that national and international stakeholders offered their help to bring this project to life was huge. I’ve found strength and motivation in inspirational figures who were willing to lend an ear and offer advice.” – Sophia Papamichalopoulos

OFFICIAL SUPPORTERS