Anthem in sign language at the GSP stadium. Two students with an important message.

Two deaf students, Gabriella Timotheou and Ariana Floureskou, performed the national anthem in Cypriot sign language before the Cyprus national team's match against Armenia at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia. The initiative was jointly organized by the Cyprus Football Federation and the Georgios Markou School for the Deaf.

The recording was released by government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis. The federation also announced that the students would return to the stadium on Monday, October 5, accompanied by interpreter Thekla Eleftheriou. Their performance served as a reminder that accessibility to sporting events also includes the possibility of participating in sign language ceremonies.

Anthem in sign language before the match

As the anthem rang out in the stadium, Gabriella and Ariana delivered the message in Cypriot sign language. They stood before the fans as participants in the official pre-match ceremony.

The Federation described the performance as a message of inclusion, equality, and respect. The presence of their language in a space typically dominated by audio also held significance for the deaf community.

Thekla Eleftheriou, a Cypriot sign language interpreter, was responsible for preparing the students and organizing their participation.

Also available during the ceremony

The sporting spectacle begins even before the first whistle. The anthem, team presentations, and stadium announcements create a unified atmosphere. The presence of sign language allows for the inclusion of those who cannot hear the audio signal.

The students' performance demonstrated this without lengthy declarations. The anthem's content was conveyed in a different language, while remaining part of the same ceremony.

This is an important distinction: deaf people weren't the only audience for the event. Gabriella and Ariana helped organize its official launch.

The recording was released by a government spokesman

Konstantinos Letymbiotis highlighted the importance of sign language for the deaf community. It is a way of communicating, but also a part of identity and a tool for participating in public life.

Accessibility to events therefore requires considering the various ways in which information is received. This applies to stadiums, state ceremonies, cultural events, and institutional communications.

The example from GSP Stadium shows how sign language can be incorporated into the event program, rather than being left outside the main ceremony.

The students will return to the stadium on Monday

The Cyprus Football Federation has confirmed that Gabriella and Ariana's participation will continue. Both are scheduled to appear at the stadium on Monday, October 5, along with Thekla Eleftheriou.

The federation's collaboration with the Georgios Markou School for the Deaf therefore provides the opportunity to once again present the anthem in Cypriot sign language.

The most important message of this initiative remains simple: a collaborative event should also include participants who communicate differently. At GSP, two students reminded us of this, standing in front of the stands during one of the most recognizable moments of the sports ceremony.

Sources: Cyprus Football Federation, CNA, Konstantinos Letymbiotis