informatics olympiad — Cyprus has secured a gold medal at the European Girls’ Olympiad in Informatics (EGOI 2026), marking a significant achievement for the nation in the field of informatics.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
- Cyprus has secured a gold medal at the European Girls’ Olympiad in Informatics (EGOI 2026), marking a significant achievement for the nation in the field of informatics.
Taking place from May 12 to May 18, 2026, in Italy, the competition showcased the talents of young female informatics enthusiasts from across Europe. The standout performer for Cyprus was secondary school student Mariza Paspalli, who not only clinched the gold medal but also ranked third overall among an impressive 248 participants.
The selection process for competitors was rigorous, with the best national representatives chosen to compete at this prestigious event. Paspalli’s achievement is a testament to her hard work and dedication, adding to her already impressive record of 11 additional medals from various international informatics competitions over the past three years.
Mariza was part of a talented delegation that included fellow competitors Anastasia Evangelou, Rafaella Nicolaou, and Chrystallena Karittevli. Each member of the team demonstrated remarkable skills, contributing to Cyprus’ strong presence in international informatics.
Supporting the students throughout the competition were informatics teacher Father Antonis Georgiou, who acted as team leader, and Afroditi Hadjimarkou, serving as deputy team leader. Their guidance was pivotal in helping the competitors navigate the challenges of the Olympiad.
The Cyprus Computer Society (CCS) expressed pride in the delegation’s performance, noting that this victory is particularly meaningful in promoting girls’ participation in Informatics and other STEM fields. The society highlighted the importance of encouraging young women to pursue careers in areas traditionally dominated by men.
This recent achievement also underscores Cyprus’ growing reputation in international informatics competitions, showcasing the nation’s commitment to nurturing young talent in this vital field. Following the successful hosting of the Junior Balkan Olympiad in Informatics (jBOI 2025), Cyprus is poised to continue its investment in future events, ensuring that young competitors have ample opportunities to shine.
Looking ahead, the Cypriot team is gearing up for several major competitions planned for 2026, including the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI), the Balkan Olympiad in Informatics (BOI), and the Junior European Olympiad in Informatics (EJOI). These events will further challenge and inspire the next generation of informatics students.
The CCS congratulated all members of the Cypriot delegation for their outstanding performance and expressed sincere appreciation to all individuals and organisations that support youth development, particularly in encouraging girls to excel in the field of Informatics.
The annual Cyprus Informatics Olympiad is organised by the CCS in collaboration with the Education Ministry, with support from organisations such as XM, Oracle Academy, and ICDL, demonstrating a strong network of collaboration aimed at fostering excellence in informatics among young Cypriots.
