The work of Nearchos Clerides “is a treasure trove of Cypriot folklore and fiction, as well as ecclesiastical tradition and monasticism – a valuable cultural reserve that he bequeathed to us, without himself having request or obtain material recompense”, stated today the Commissioner of the Environment, Antonia Theodosiou, in her speech on behalf of the President of the Republic, at the start of the 37th International Annual Road Race in memory of Nearchos Clerides.
Mrs. Theodosiou noted that Nearchos Cleridis, the late teacher, writer and folklorist, dedicated his life to the service of letters and the preservation of the cultural heritage of our country. He noted that N. Cleridis, born in 1892 in Agros, managed to become a teacher and at the same time, and mainly after his retirement, devoted himself to research, study and writing, publishing folklore material, which he collected for decades from every corner of Cyprus , from churches, libraries, from his conversations with residents in village cafes, from folk songs, folk tales, customs and traditions, from legends and local stories.
Quoting the words of N. Cleridis himself, Mrs. Theodosiou recalled that he had declared “I have no material wealth to give to my hometown. Everyone gives away what they have. I, too, donate the lines of my book to my country, believing that with them I am repaying a certain debt to the country that gave me life, that nurtured me and raised me. And it is for me a sweet joy and pleasure that I was able to fulfill this duty”.
The Commissioner then mentioned that the road race co-organized by the Community The Agricultural Council and the Association of Runners “Periklis Dimitriou”, is a small recognition of the great contribution of N. Cleridis to the place.
Excluding the contribution of the “Periklis Dimitriou” Association, Mrs. Theodosiou underlined that “the role of Unions and other bodies that have a say in sports events, as well as the role of Local Authorities, is vital to our goal of upgrading and strengthening sports since by joining forces we can achieve it”.< /p>
Finally, he congratulated both the Agro Community Council and the “Periklis Dimitriou” Association for the organization, as well as the runners who participated.
Source: KYPE
