Cyprus has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning a gold medal at the European Girls’ Olympiad in Informatics (EGOI 2025), which took place in Bonn, Germany. This prestigious event showcased the talents of young female informaticians from various countries, with Gymnasium student Mariza Paspalli standing out by securing the coveted gold.
Gold medal: A Stellar Performance from Mariza Paspalli
Mariza Paspalli’s gold medal victory is a testament to her hard work and dedication in the field of computing. Her achievement not only adds to the growing success of Cyprus in international informatics competitions but also serves as an inspiration for other young girls to pursue their interests in technology.
Team Representation of Cyprus
The Cypriot delegation at the Olympiad included talented participants Selina Arkatiti, Marina Georgiou, and Elisavet Dimopoulou. They were guided by secondary school teachers Chara Skoutelli and Sotiroula Yiassoumi, who accompanied the students to support their efforts. The entire team showcased passion and integrity while competing, making Cyprus proud on an international stage.
Significance of the Achievement
This gold medal holds special importance for the Cyprus Computer Society (CCS), an organisation committed to bridging the gender gap in Informatics. The CCS aims to empower more girls to engage actively in scientific and technological opportunities, and Mariza’s success exemplifies this mission.
Encouraging Future Participation
The momentum generated by this achievement is expected to carry through 2025, as Cyprus prepares for two significant upcoming international events: the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) and the Balkan Olympiad in Informatics (BOI). Both competitions will provide further opportunities for recognition and showcase the capabilities of young Cypriot informaticians.
Hosting the Junior Balkan Olympiad in Informatics
In an exciting development, Cyprus will also host the Junior Balkan Olympiad in Informatics (jBOI 2025) in October. This event marks a unique opportunity for the country to showcase Europe’s emerging talent in the field of Informatics and to strengthen its position as a growing hub for technological education.
Community Support and Acknowledgements
The Cyprus Computer Society extended heartfelt congratulations to Mariza Paspalli for her impressive gold medal performance, as well as to all members of the team for their dedication and hard work. Additionally, the CCS expressed gratitude to educators, mentors, volunteers, and supporters whose contributions create opportunities for young people, particularly girls, in the pursuit of excellence in technology and computer science.
Continued Commitment to Excellence
The achievements of Mariza and her teammates highlight the importance of continued support for young female talent in technology. As they prepare for the upcoming Olympiads, the dedication of educators and volunteers will play a crucial role in fostering an environment that encourages students to excel in Informatics.
Organisational Support for Future Events
The Cyprus Olympiad in Informatics is organised annually by the CCS in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth. The initiative is supported by various organisations, including ECOMMBX, XM, Oracle Academy, and ICDL. These collaborations are vital for nurturing the next generation of informaticians and ensuring that young girls have equal access to opportunities in the field.
As the Cypriot delegation looks ahead to future competitions, the hope is that more girls will be inspired by Mariza’s success and take steps towards pursuing their interests in technology. Best of luck to all the students representing Cyprus and to the dedicated educators who will volunteer during the jBOI 2025.
