AUB Mediterraneo and Atlas Paphou Sign MOU to Strengthen Collaboration in Sports, Education, and Community Development
Pafos, Cyprus – September 27, 2024: The American University of Beirut - Mediterraneo (AUB Mediterraneo) and Atlas Paphou have formalized a strategic partnership today by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This partnership will pave the way for collaborative initiatives aimed at promoting sports development, academic research, and community engagement in Pafos.
The MOU was signed by Dr. Wassim El Hajj, rector of AUB Mediterraneo, and Mr. Dimitris Giannakopoulos, chairman of Atlas Paphou, marking the beginning of a productive partnership between the academic and sports communities in Pafos. The agreement outlines a wide range of joint initiatives, including the potential offering of scholarships to Atlas Paphou players, staff, and members; the organization of sports events, workshops, and coaching clinics; and the development of youth outreach programs aimed at promoting health, education, and athletic development. Furthermore, the partnership will facilitate the exchange of expertise and research on sports management and other related fields, ultimately benefiting both the academic and sports communities in Pafos.
Rector Wassim El Hajj emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “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 Pafos.”
Chairman Dimitris Giannakopoulos of Atlas Paphou highlighted the shared vision between the two institutions. He said, “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 Pafos, creating opportunities for young athletes and students to thrive. This MOU is a testament to our dedication to community development and sportsmanship.”
This partnership reflects a shared vision for growth, community engagement, and the development of talent both on and off the athletic field, reinforcing the strong ties between AUB Mediterraneo and Atlas Paphou.
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About The American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo
The American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo (AUB Mediterraneo) in Pafos, 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 programs. All departments and programs at AUB Mediterraneo are accredited in Europe and Cyprus through the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Higher Education (CYQAA) and recognized 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 sports registry of the Cyprus Sports Organization (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 Pafos and provides training in basketball and football for children aged 4 to 18.