Cyprus has made a remarkable mark at the Junior Balkan Olympiad in Informatics (jBOI) 2025, securing a gold medal and showcasing the talents of its young programmers. Hosted by the Cyprus Computer Society (CCS) in collaboration with the Education Ministry, the event took place on October 29, 2025, at the Tassos Mitsopoulos Lyceum in Aradippou.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
- The opening ceremony, held on October 25, featured performances by pupils and teachers from the Aradippou Lyceum, providing a lively prelude to the competition days that followed.
Junior balkan: A Competitive Gathering of Young Talent
The jBOI 2025 brought together delegations from nine Balkan countries, creating a vibrant atmosphere of competition and camaraderie. This annual programming competition invites exceptional secondary school pupils, aged 10 to 15, to tackle complex algorithmic problems, adhering to the standards set by the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI).
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Closing Ceremony Highlights
The closing ceremony of the event was marked by inspiring speeches from dignitaries, including Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nicodemos Damianou. He emphasised the value of programming skills for the participants’ future careers, sharing his own journey as a former computer programmer.
The ceremony took place at the Multipurpose Centre for Social Welfare and Employment in Larnaca Municipality, where Deputy Mayor of Larnaca, Iasonas Iasonidis, and Inspector of Informatics for Secondary Education, Michalis Farazis, also extended their greetings. CCS President, Andreas Loutsios, expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in making Cyprus a successful host for the week-long event.
Outstanding Achievements by Cypriot Participants
During the awards ceremony, the Cypriot delegation was celebrated for their exceptional performances. Notably, pupil Mariza Paspalli earned a gold medal, while Alexis Tsangaris and Petros Vourmas secured bronze medals. Other members of the team, including Sophoclis Andronicou, Andreas Tziapouras, Andreas Kessides, Christoforos Pittalis, and Andreas Charalambides, were also commended for their commendable efforts.
With this year’s achievements, Cyprus has now accumulated a total of eight medals and one honorary distinction across five international Informatics Olympiads in 2025, reinforcing the nation’s reputation for excellence in the field of informatics.
Engagement Beyond Competition
Aside from the competitive events, participants had the opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of Cyprus. They toured the historical centre of Larnaca and visited Lefkara, further enhancing their experience. Interactive activities were organised by JetBrains, allowing the young programmers to engage in hands-on learning and networking.
The opening ceremony, held on October 25, featured performances by pupils and teachers from the Aradippou Lyceum, providing a lively prelude to the competition days that followed.
Organisational Excellence and Future Prospects
The successful organisation of the jBOI 2025 can be attributed to the tireless efforts of the Organising and Scientific Committees, who prepared meticulously for months prior to the event. The Cyprus Computer Society’s Board of Directors and staff managed the logistics, while teachers from the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth ensured the technical and scientific integrity of the competition.
Looking ahead, the Pancyprian Informatics Olympiad for the current school year will soon be announced. This national competition selects the team that will represent Cyprus in future international events, continuing the country’s tradition of fostering young programming talent.
Support from the Community
The CCS organises the Pancyprian Informatics Olympiad in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, with support from partners including ECCOMMBX, XM, Oracle, and ICDL. This collective effort underscores the importance of community engagement in nurturing future generations of programmers.
As the event concludes, the positive impact of the Junior Balkan Olympiad in Informatics on young minds is clear. With experiences gained and friendships formed, participants are not only equipped with valuable skills but also inspired to continue their journeys in the world of technology.
