Cyprus is “one of the safest countries for sports events”, European Athletics president Dobromir Karamarinov said on Friday, following a meeting in Nicosia with President Nikos Christodoulides.

The meeting took place on the occasion of the 25th European Throwing Cup to be held for the second year in succession in Nicosia over the weekend.

“Athletes from 34 countries participating here are happy and safe. I would like to assure everyone that Cyprus is one of the safest countries for sports events. There is no problem,” Karamarinov said.

Olympic medallists and world champions will be participating in the games.

“I expect a great competition and excellent results,” Karamarinov added.

Head of Cyprus’ Amateur Athletic Association (Koeas), Pericles Markaris, said the throwing cup was an important event and that the participation of so many international athletes was a “vote of confidence” for Cyprus.

Last year, participants included Finland’s Silja Kosonen winning the hammer and Serbia’s Adriana Vilagos winning the javelin with early season world leads of 77.07m and 66.88m respectively.

History was also made as Iosif Kesidis won Cyprus’ first ever gold medal at the European Throwing Cup, winning the U23 men’s hammer on home soil.