Youth empowerment takes centre stage at Andrey & Julia Dashin's Foundation Youth Race

The Andrey & Julia Dashin’s Foundation proudly celebrated another successful Youth Race, part of the OPAP Limassol Marathon.

The event attracted over a thousand young athletes aged 6 to 12, carrying the foundation's commitment to promoting health, fitness, and inclusivity among youth.

The race, which was divided into two categories—800 meters for ages 6 to 8 and 1,200 meters for ages 9 to 12—took place at the picturesque Molos Park. The enthusiasm and determination shown by these young runners were truly inspiring, reflecting the foundation's mission to encourage a love for physical activity from an early age.

Building on the success of previous years, this year's event continued to promote messages of unity and inclusivity. The young runners wore T-shirts with the powerful slogans of “Together We Run, Together We Rise" and "A Race for All, A Future for Everyone."

These visual statements reinforced the belief that progress and success are achievable when we uplift and support each other, conveying a powerful message of unity and empowerment.

Julia Dashina expressed her pride in the event's impact: "Witnessing the energy and passion of these young athletes reaffirms our commitment to nurturing the next generation. Through initiatives like the Youth Race, we aim to instil values of perseverance, equality, and community spirit”.

Among the distinguished guests was First Lady Philippa Karsera Christodoulides, whose attendance underscored the significance of the occasion.

Andreas Aravis, the official ambassador of this year’s Andrey & Julia Dashin's Foundation Youth Race, expressed his gratitude for the chance to inspire young athletes: "It is an incredible honor to be chosen as the ambassador for such a meaningful event. Seeing the enthusiasm and determination of these young runners is truly inspiring. I am thankful to the foundation for this opportunity to support and encourage the next generation."

Another highlight of the event was the participation of children and parents from the Apostolos Loukas Special School, underscoring the race's spirit of diversity and inclusion.

The foundation extends its sincere appreciation to the organizers, volunteers, supporters and all the participants who contributed to the event's success. Their collective efforts ensure that such initiatives continue to thrive, making a lasting difference in the lives of many.

In parallel with the Youth Race, the Foundation also joined forces with Exinity for the Limassol Marathon 5KM Corporate Race held the same day. The Exinity team participated alongside 257 other corporate teams. For every employee who took part, the company donated to support Yparho, a Limassol-based non-profit organization dedicated to the education, health, and integration of individuals with disabilities.

Sharing these values, the Andrey & Julia Dashin's Foundation matched all donations, effectively doubling the impact. This joint effort reflects the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to promoting inclusion, empowerment, and social responsibility across every aspect of community engagement.

About Andrey and Julia Dashin’s Foundation

The Andrey & Julia Dashin Foundation is a non-governmental, non-profit organization established in 2014 by Andrey and Julia Dashin to support the local community in Cyprus and assist those in need. The foundation is dedicated to impactful charity work, prioritizing community development, social inclusion, and equal opportunities for all. With a primary focus on children, the foundation has funded numerous charitable projects across the island, operating under the fundamental pillars of social welfare, healthcare, education, and environmental stewardship. Through diverse collaborations and proactive engagement, the Andrey & Julia Dashin Foundation aims to address key societal challenges and enhance the quality of life throughout Cyprus.