By Bejay Browne
A CHARITY worker who has devoted her life to caring for and supporting others, and a budding young dancer who helps other people’s dreams come true, are the winners of the eighth annual Paphos Hearts of Gold awards.
The winners of this year’s prizes were among 36 nominated for their community service and were announced at a packed event held at Palia Ilektriki cultural centre yesterday.
Sally Unsworth and teenager Nina Christodoulou were chosen by a panel of ten judges and announced by Marios Joannou Elia, the Patron of the award and artistic director of Pafos 2017.
The two winners were each presented with a solid gold hand-crafted heart on a pin, created and donated every year by Aphrodite Jewellers, as well as a certificate and a bouquet of flowers.
Winner of the adult award, Sally Unsworth, also received a two-night stay and dinner at the luxury Almyra Hotel.
Joannou Elia spoke about the importance of the community and commended all of the nominees.
“I am honoured to be a part of this award and see you all here today. So many of you are doing great things for others, either through your charity or voluntary contributions and others who are coping with difficulties, but with a smile on your face. For us you are all winners and I wish that I could give you all an award.”
Unsworth volunteers at a number of charities and won the award for her work with the Cyprus Samaritans, of which she is national director, and the Paphos Bereavement Support Group that set up and runs. She is described as a kind and caring person who puts everyone else before herself. Even though her husband Geoff died a few weeks ago, she continues to visit all the people of bereaved families.
Nina Christoudoulou, 16, is the winner of the junior section. She was diagnosed with a rare and incurable disease at the age of eleven, but is determined to become a ballet dancer. Nina is an extremely hard working student and a cheerleader at the American Academy in Paphos, and she also finds time to teach younger pupils to dance. During her summer holidays, Nina works at a summer camp in the U.S. with children with special needs and from unstable backgrounds.
Both winners said they were surprised but happy to be chosen.
Nominees, their families and friends, members of the judging panel, and representatives of the social welfare committee were all present at the ceremony which took place to a packed audience of around 200.
The Zingers, an amateur singing group who were also nominated for raising thousands for local charities, greeted guests with festive songs.
This year, 23 adults and 13 children were nominated by members of the public. The children in particular captured the hearts of the audience, said Joannou Elia. Many of the youngsters are coping with great hardship, with courage and a smile.
All of the nominees received a certificate and a flower presented by British Vice Consul Christina Smith and Fylactis Constantinides of the Paphos social welfare committee.
The community-based award aims to recognise those who have shown tremendous courage, strength and determination, worked tirelessly within the community or for charities, overcome tragedies with a smile or simply been a great help and support to neighbours and friends.
Pictures and a video of the event will be available at the dedicated Facebook page.
The annual award is supported by the Paphos municipality social welfare committee, Aphrodite Jewellers, Massiva printing, the Cyprus Mail, Paphos Post, Sunshine radio, the British High Commission, Almyra Hotel and James Walton media.
