In a festive and resurrection atmosphere, the inauguration of the new sports facilities in Frilingianika Kythera took place on Easter Sunday (19 April 2026). The event, which marks the creation of an important outlet for the island's youth, was presided over by local priests, in the presence of the Mayor of Kythera and members of the local community.
Sport as an outlet for youth
During the consecration ceremony, Father John (who also conveyed the blessings of His Eminence the Metropolitan) spoke about the value of sport as a shield against the dangers that young people face. As he stressed. In a survey done two years ago, young people fall into various bad things because they have no goals.« He urged parents to push their children into sports, church and music as they cultivate the spirit and teach them to work as a team.
Praise for the «Melissa» Association»
Special mention was made of the local «Melissa» Association. Father Seraphim praised the work and volunteerism of the members of the association, stressing that they dedicate infinite time from their families to take care of the village. «You see clean streets, clean squares, painted and flagged... They create this place, I see Panagiotis every afternoon with the machine, one to pave, one to carry,» he said, promising that he will always be by their side.
Mayor of Kythera: «The biggest bet now is maintenance»
The Mayor of Kythera, taking the floor, warmly thanked the «Melissa» Association, describing it as a «positive footprint of cooperation» and «an example for the whole island», stressing that the Municipality cannot do everything on its own.
Referring to the new facilities, the Mayor stressed that it is a great struggle that has been crowned with success, now having an operating license and the necessary certifications. However, he sounded the alarm about the preservation of the site: «The biggest struggle is now starting for the maintenance of the stadium... There should be no vandalism in the stadium. Don't see cigarette butts inside, for God's sake. It's a plastic turf,» he said sternly.
Finally, the Mayor left open the possibility of expanding the sports infrastructure, revealing that there is a request for the creation of another stadium in the municipal area and that the procedures for the relevant studies are about to begin.
