about us
Who are we
United Sports Cyprus (USC) is a locally led non-profit organization that aims to unite and educate communities through sports, with a mission to dismantle physical barriers associated with xenophobia and inequality while integrating minority groups into society. USC strives to provide equal sporting opportunities for individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities, empowering both youth and adults to advocate for an inclusive society.
What sets USC apart is its innovative approach to sport for development. The organization seamlessly weaves sports and team-building activities into a cutting-edge curriculum of on-court engagements. Through this carefully crafted strategy, USC aims to dismantle ingrained social and cultural stereotypes. The process of structured integration becomes a linchpin in their methodology, fostering the organic development of mutual trust, lasting friendships, and the emergence of a new shared identity among participants. In essence, USC is not merely an advocate for sports; it is a champion for societal transformation, leveraging the universality of sports to bridge divides and promote a more cohesive, inclusive society.
our core values
Equity & Inclusion
We are dedicated to fairness, equal opportunities for all, and celebrating diversity in our communities, appreciating each individual’s unique contributions to sports and beyond.
Peace & Understanding
We utilize sports for conflict resolution and peaceful dialogue, fostering empathy, and facilitate cross-cultural exchanges to promote learning and bridge-building between communities.
Education & Empowerment
We harness the transformative power of sports for education, nurturing life skills and leadership while instilling purpose, and empower individuals to become catalysts for positive change in their communities through sports.
our team
Stephanie Nicolas
Founder & Director
Stephanie is a Sport for Development and Peace practitioner from Nicosia, Cyprus, with more than 15 years of experience designing and implementing sport-based initiatives that promote peace, inclusion, and community development. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Science and Coaching from the University of Bedfordshire and has been involved in bi-communal and cross-community programmes in Cyprus since 2005.
Stephanie spent over a decade with PeacePlayers Cyprus, where she held several leadership roles before serving as Internal Operations Manager. In 2023, she founded United Sports Cyprus to continue using sport as a platform for social cohesion, intercultural dialogue, and the integration of diverse communities. Her expertise includes sport for conflict resolution, programme management, and leveraging sport as a tool for positive social change.
young leaders program
Sinem Yandas
Facilitator
Sofia Georgiou
Facilitator
Viktor Petrov
Facilitator
girls basketball program
Damla Bagan Türken
Coach
Viktor Petrov
Coach
Mayra Karacaoglu
Assistant Coach
inclusive basketball program
Andria Pitsillidou
Nicosia Team Coach
Andriana Kasapi
Nicosia Team Assistant Coach
Dorina Ioannidou
Limassol Team Coach
Christiana Menelaou
Limassol Team Assistant Coach
To envision a world where sports serve as a powerful catalyst, uniting diverse communities, fostering mutual understanding and creating a brighter future for all.
To unite and educate communities through sports, breaking down barriers and building bridges of understanding. Through inclusive programs, educational initiatives, and a commitment to fair play, we aim to empower individuals from different backgrounds and strengthen the bonds that connects us, ultimately making our communities stronger and more inclusive.
