The American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo (AUB Mediterraneo) and Atlas Paphou have formalised a strategic partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The partnership will pave the way for collaborative initiatives to promote sports development, academic research and community engagement in Paphos.
The MOU was signed by Dr Wassim El Hajj, rector of AUB Mediterraneo, and Dimitris Giannakopoulos, chairman of Atlas Paphou, marking the beginning of a productive partnership between Paphian academic and sporting communities. The agreement outlines a wide range of joint initiatives, including: the potential offering of scholarships to Atlas Paphou players, staff and members; the holding of sports events, workshops and coaching clinics; the development of youth outreach programmes aimed at promoting health, education and athletic development. The partnership will also facilitate the exchange of expertise and research on sports management and other related fields, ultimately benefiting both the academic and sports communities of Paphos.
Rector Wassim El Hajj hailed the significance of the partnership. “This collaboration with Atlas Paphou is an exciting opportunity to blend academia and sports for the benefit of our students and the broader community. At AUB Mediterraneo, we believe in promoting both intellectual and physical development. This MOU reflects our commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals. We are thrilled to work with Atlas Paphou to create opportunities that will foster education, health and social impact in Paphos,” he noted.
For his part, Chairman Dimitris Giannakopoulos of Atlas Paphou highlighted the shared vision between the two institutions. “We are delighted to partner with AUB Mediterraneo, a university known for its pursuit of excellence. Through this collaboration, we aim to enhance the sports and academic landscape in Paphos, creating opportunities for young athletes and students to thrive. This MOU is a testament to our dedication to community development and sportsmanship,” he said.
The partnership reflects a shared vision for growth, community engagement and the development of talent on and off the field, reinforcing the strong ties between AUB Mediterraneo and Atlas Paphou.
About the American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo
The American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo (AUB Mediterraneo) in Paphos, Cyprus, is approved by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) as a branch campus of the American University of Beirut (AUB) in Beirut, Lebanon. AUB operates under a charter granted by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) which registers the university’s degree programmes. All departments and programmes at AUB Mediterraneo are accredited in Europe and Cyprus through the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Higher Education (CYQAA), and recognised globally.
About Atlas Paphou
Atlantas Club was established in August 2013 and is officially registered with the Registrar of Clubs under registration number 4054. It is also listed in the registry of the Cyprus Sports Organisation (CSO) with the registration number 876. Since October 2014, Atlantas Club has been a permanent member of the Cyprus Basketball Federation (CBF). In addition, over the past three years, Atlantas Club has expanded its activities to include football, and is now a member of the Cyprus Football Association (CFA). The club is located in Paphos and provides basketball and football training for four- to 18-year-olds.
