On Saturday, 21 September, 2025, the shores of Limassol, Cyprus, became the backdrop for a truly landmark moment in diving and inclusion. Hosted in collaboration with the Cyprus Paralympic Committee, Diving for Peace brought together Paralympic athletes from around the world to experience the transformative power of scuba diving and to send a powerful message of unity, healing and hope across borders.
A Symbolic Setting
The event unfolded at Deniz Yolu Beach, where the Amphitheatre of Molos buzzed with energy as the day began. A local children’s choir filled the air with music, and their performance set the tone for what would be a celebration not just of sport, but of humanity. Opening speeches emphasized the deeper purpose of Diving for Peace, sending a message that beneath the surface, physical differences dissolve, and we are all equal in the wonder of the underwater world.
A live underwater stream projected onto a big screen allowed the audience to share the experience from shore as the athletes took their first breaths beneath the waves.
Athletes Take the Plunge
In total, 17 Paralympians from countries including Portugal, Hungary, Croatia, Israel, Greece, Cuba and Cyprus joined the dive. The group represented an inspiring mix of sports, pulling in athletes from myriad of disciplines, including table tennis, javelin, wheelchair basketball and swimming.
Supported by a dedicated team of PADI Regional Managers, local dive centers (Cydive, Taba Dive Centre, Coral Bay Divers and Nino Sports) and PADI Adaptive Diving Instructors, each athlete was paired with a team of three divers to ensure their comfort and safety. From preparation to wetsuits to the affectionate “taxi” team helping participants in and out of the water, every detail was designed to create a welcoming, empowering experience.
And it worked. One by one, the athletes emerged from the water beaming with joy.
Croatian athlete Kristijian Vincetic grabbed his snorkel and went right back into the water to watch his wife, fellow Paralympian Andela Muzinic Vincetic, experience her own dive. Elpida Hatzivasiliou described the experience as meditative, “Peace is something that affects everyone, all countries… no matter where we’re coming from, no matter our background or physical ability, everyone is the same under the water. Everyone has equal need for peace, and it’s wonderful to be doing it together with so many different people from different countries.”
Israeli athlete Talia Eilat, who admitted to being nervous at first, left the water with a newfound sense of empowerment, “Of course, we can do everything, and nothing can stop us!”
A Community Effort
The event wasn’t just about the dives themselves, it was a community celebration. Local scouts, students and families gathered on the beach. Children participated in a drawing competition, and winners were awarded during the ceremony.
The collaboration behind the scenes was equally inspiring. PADI’s Environment and Sustainability team worked alongside 18 nationalities of EMEA Regional Managers and Territory Directors. Special thanks go to Jurg Dahler of Coral Bay Divers and Fraser Bathgate, who led Adaptive Techniques Specialty training for the PADI team the day before, ensuring every participant was fully supported.
As one PADI Regional Manager, Ingrid van Gerven, shared, “My favorite part was seeing the big smiles on everyone’s face as they came out of the water. I spoke with athletes as they were getting ready, picking up on their nerves, and then watched those nerves dissolve into joy. Those smiles made it all worth it.”
More Than an Event
At its heart, Diving for Peace was about more than diving. In a region at the crossroads of the Middle East and Eastern Europe, often shaped by conflict, this event stood as a symbol of hope. It showed what can happen when sport, community and the healing power of the ocean come together.
As Dr. Andreas Roumbas, President of the Cyprus Paralympic Committee, said, “The healing power of immersion in water has been proven to aid people with diverse abilities, promoting both physical and emotional well-being. Through this process, inner peace and mental well-being are promoted, underlining the power of scuba diving to unite people across borders and differences.”
The Bigger Picture: PADI’s Adaptive Program
Diving for Peace reflects PADI’s long-standing commitment to making the underwater world accessible to all. Through our Adaptive Diving Program, launched globally in 2018, we train PADI Professionals and recreational divers to better support people with a variety physical and mental abilities. In 2023, we expanded this with Adaptive Service Facilities, designating dive centers worldwide that meet the highest standards in accessibility. Today, there are already 60 such facilities, with more joining regularly.
This is part of PADI’s deeper mission to foster inclusion and create opportunities for people of all abilities to explore, connect with and protect the ocean.
What’s Next?
The success of Diving for Peace in Cyprus is a powerful reminder of the role scuba diving can play in promoting peace, healing, and unity. And it doesn’t end here.
Mark Your Calendars for 1-7 December, 2025: PADI Adaptive Diving Week
Follow along on PADI’s social media channels or contact your local dive center to find out how you can get involved. Together, we can continue to break down barriers and ensure that the ocean truly is for everyone.
