Author: andreas.v

INSPIRE Festival 2024 Set to Awaken Nicosia with a Celebration of Entrepreneurship

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The INSPIRE Festival 2024, organized by IMH Business, is set to take over Makariou Avenue on the 3rd and 4th of October, bringing the spirit of entrepreneurship to the heart of the city. This vibrant two-day event is a homage to entrepreneurship in all its forms, magnitudes, and industries, aiming to inspire individuals of all ages and backgrounds to continue pursuing their dreams of success.

With Ablebook proudly supporting the festival as the Accessibility Partner, festival-goers can easily access all information about the festival’s accessibility features through the Ablebook App. The app ensures that everyone, regardless of their mobility or special needs, can fully participate in and enjoy the events.

INSPIRE 2024 lives up to its name by offering tens of parallel events designed to ignite creativity and perseverance. From captivating entrepreneurs’ stories, masterclasses, and thought-provoking panels to exciting live podcasts, fireside chats, and even street parties, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re 15 or 95. Attendees will immerse themselves in a truly unique atmosphere, filled with music, street food, and celebration, all aimed at fostering a sense of community and inspiration.

With multiple stages spread across a walkable distance, the festival promises a whirlwind of activity, offering a diverse range of interactive events for more than 3,000 attendees. Whether engaging in insightful interviews, participating in panel discussions, or enjoying a relaxed chat over cocktails, visitors will have endless opportunities to network, learn, and be inspired.

This year’s INSPIRE Festival is set to be the most dynamic event yet, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Cyprus forward. Mark your calendars and join us for a weekend of innovation, creativity, and celebration of entrepreneurship!

For more information about festival accessibility, download the Ablebook App.

Paralympic Games 2024: Silver Medal for Pelendritou in Swimming, Reaches Seven for Cyprus

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Karolina Pelendritou finished in second place in the 50-meter freestyle in Paris.

Karolina Pelendritou won the seventh Paralympic medal of her career on Saturday night (31/8).

The flag bearer of the Cypriot delegation at the “Paris 2024” Paralympic Games finished in second place in the final of the 50m freestyle, in the S11 category, earning her second silver medal in the event.

Paralympic Games Paris 2024: Cyprus Debuts with Pelendritou

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The three-time Paralympic gold medalist of Cyprus, Karolina Pelendritou, and flag bearer of the Cypriot National Paralympic Committee’s delegation at the 17th Paralympic Games in Paris 2024, kicks off the competition today for the Cypriot team in this Paralympics.

The top swimmer in Cyprus’s Paralympic history competes today at noon at the Paris La Défense Arena in the 50m freestyle heats in the S11 category. Sixteen athletes are participating in this event, divided into two heats of eight. Karolina Pelendritou is competing in the 2nd heat. The race is scheduled to start at 11:46 local time (12:46 Cyprus time). The athletes with the eight fastest times will advance to the final.

Karolina’s goal is to record one of the eight best times to qualify for the final, which will take place later the same day (20:41 local time, 21:41 Cyprus time), with the hope of reaching the podium for the second consecutive time.

Karolina’s coaches are Stelios Kakavoyiannis and Ioannis Alexakis.

Karolina Pelendritou will return to the Paris La Défense Arena on September 5th to compete in the 100m breaststroke. The heats will be held in the morning, and the final will take place in the afternoon of the same day. Eleven athletes are participating in this event, and the top eight times will advance to the final.

Karolina will compete in the 1st heat, and the race will start at 10:19 local time (11:19 Paris time). The final is scheduled for 18:24 local time (19:24 Cyprus time).

This is Karolina Pelendritou’s 6th participation in the Paralympic Games, and she has won as many medals.

Details of Karolina’s medals in the Paralympic Games:

Her journey began at the Paralympic Games in Athens in 2004. In the country that gave birth to the Olympic Games, Karolina won the gold medal in the 100m breaststroke, and the national anthem of Cyprus was heard for the first time at the Paralympics.

In Beijing 2008, Karolina proved that her success four years earlier was no fluke. In addition to gold in the 100m breaststroke, she also won bronze in the 200m.

In London 2012, Karolina continued her success, winning another medal for Cyprus, this time a silver in the 100m breaststroke.

At the Paralympic Games in Rio 2016, Karolina came close to winning another medal, but finished 4th. However, this motivated her even more, and at the Tokyo 2021 (2020) Paralympics, Karolina once again elevated Cyprus to the top step of the podium. The national anthem was heard again in distant Japan, filling all of Cyprus with pride. Bronze in the 50m freestyle and gold in the 100m breaststroke brought her total Paralympic medal count to six (3 golds, 1 silver, and 2 bronzes).

The world record and the Paralympic record in the 50m freestyle have been held by Ma Jia from China since August 29, 2021, at the Tokyo Paralympics, with a time of 29.20.

The world record in the 100m breaststroke has been held by Lukianenko Daria from Russia since April 23, 2024, in Funchal, Portugal, with a time of 1:17.65, while the Paralympic record has been held by Karolina Pelendritou since September 1, 2021, in Tokyo, with a time of 1:19.78.

Japan: The café where employees work remotely

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The accessible, barrier-free floor of the café is filled with robotic staff.

Kentaro Yoshifuji needed to be hospitalized multiple times and for extended periods when he was a student and couldn’t go to school.
 

This experience inspired him to study robotics and “use technology to improve the lives of people who were unable to participate physically either in work or social life.”

Thus, with the help of crowdfunding and grants, he created the Dawn Avatar Robot Café, a Japanese business that shows that robots don’t necessarily take away our jobs, but on the contrary, they can help create inclusive workspaces.

The image at Dawn is as follows:

The accessible, barrier-free floor of the café is filled with robotic staff. There is a robot that greets customers, another to help them find seats, and another that suggests daily specials and takes orders. Additionally, there is the popular Tele-Barista, a humanoid “master” of coffee who will take care of the pumpkin spice latte at the bar.

However, the awkwardness of asking a robot to take your order is bypassed as patrons know it’s the human side that makes Dawn special.

The humanoid robots OriHime and OriHime-D, standing at 120 centimeters tall, serve as avatars for the workers who operate them remotely. These operators interact with customers, suggest items from the menu, and ensure that your coffee is just the way you like it.

The business employs people with disabilities to control the robots, creating inclusive job opportunities for those who cannot leave their homes or are, in many cases, bedridden.

Employees can use a mouse, an iPad, or even an eye-controlled remote to operate the robots from a wheelchair or a bed.

According to the Ministry of Health in Japan, over 7% of the population lives with a disability.

Indeed, most of the humanoid robots are equipped with iPads so that customers can interact with the person controlling them.

It should be noted that in 2012, Yoshifuji won the Human Power Award for “OriHime,” the first robot with an avatar to combat loneliness.

Source: naftemporiki.gr

At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Maria Markou

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At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Maria Markou, a Paralympic champion in bench press weightlifting, will participate.

According to a post by the Cyprus Sports Organization (CSO) on Facebook, “Our Paralympic champion in bench press weightlifting has secured her ticket through the World Rankings and will compete again in the world’s premier sporting event.”

It is added that Maria Markou will be the third member of the Cypriot delegation, after Karolina Pelendritou and Victor Pentara, to participate in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

“Congratulations,” concludes the CSO post.

Infocredit Group Honored with Gold Award at the Cyprus Responsible Business Awards 2023

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Infocredit Group is thrilled to announce its recognition at the Cyprus Responsible Business Awards 2023, organized by Boussias. The company proudly secured the esteemed Gold award. The awards ceremony was held yesterday at Galu Seaside in Larnaca.

The Cyprus Responsible Business Awards 2023 recognize and reward best practices in supporting society. Infocredit Group’s constant support for Ablebook played a pivotal role in this achievement. Infocredit Group claimed the Gold award in the “Society” category, underscoring its steadfast commitment to social responsibility and community support.

Theodoros Kringou, CEO of Infocredit Group, commented on the award: “We are honored to receive this recognition, and this award is a testament to our commitment to social responsibility. We will continue to support initiatives like Ablebook that make a positive impact on our society. We also invite other companies to join us in supporting these vital initiatives. By working together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all members of our community.”

Andreas Vasileiou, Co- Founder & CEO at Ablebook, expressed his gratitude: “The greatest thanks belong to Infocredit Group and specifically to Theodoros Kringou for his constant support. Symeon Stylianou, Data Transformation & Quality Advisor at Infocredit Group and Co- Founder & CBO at Ablebook, also stated ‘’ The support for other people has enabled us to implement actions that improve the lives of society and the people with disabilities. Our initiatives have contributed to creating a more inclusive environment for everyone. This award crowns our efforts and gives us the strength to continue our mission. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.’’

Infocredit Group remains dedicated to fostering a culture of social responsibility and encourages others to contribute to building a better future for everyone.

Ocean Basket Restaurants Now on the Ablebook App

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Ablebook is launching a new collaboration with Ocean Basket restaurants, incorporating their 9 restaurants into its platform. This partnership aims to provide all relevant information and services concerning accessibility for people with disabilities and vulnerable groups.

Ablebook is an innovative app available on Android and iOS devices, targeting the improvement of accessibility and support for individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable groups by offering information and services that facilitate their daily lives. 

Ocean Basket restaurants provide ramps at their entrances, accessible toilets for people with disabilities, and vegan options. Through our collaboration, app users visiting Ocean Basket can get information about the accessible restaurants and request assistance if needed by contacting the responsible persons at the restaurant. This way, everyone can enjoy their meals and moments without barriers.

Our partnership with Ocean Basket restaurants is another step towards a more equal and open society for all. By offering facilities and services that meet the needs of people with disabilities, Ocean Basket positively contributes to social progress and solidarity.

Ablebook has developed a partnership with the Mall of Cyprus and the Mall of Engomi

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The Ablebook app is pleased to announce its new collaboration with the Mall of Cyprus and the Mall of Engomi, incorporating their spaces into its platform. This partnership aims to facilitate access and provide information for people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

Ablebook is an innovative app available on Android and iOS devices that aims to improve accessibility and support for people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups by offering information and services that make their daily lives easier.

The Mall of Cyprus and the Mall of Engomi offer a range of accessible facilities, such as designated parking spaces near entrances, ramps, accessible restrooms, and comfortable spaces for wheelchairs. Through this collaboration, Ablebook app users visiting these shopping centers can get information about accessible facilities and request assistance, if needed, from the shopping center’s staff. This ensures that all visitors can enjoy their shopping experience and moments without barriers.

Our collaboration with the Mall of Cyprus and the Mall of Engomi is another step towards a more equitable and open society for all. By offering facilities and services that meet the needs of people with disabilities, these shopping centers positively contribute to social progress and solidarity.

New Partnership Between Ablebook App and McDonald’s Restaurants

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We are pleased to announce the collaboration between McDonald’s and the Ablebook app, incorporating their 23 restaurants into its platform. This partnership aims to facilitate access and provide information for people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

Ablebook is an innovative app available on Android and iOS devices that aims to improve accessibility and support people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups by offering information and services that make their daily lives easier.

McDonald’s restaurants offer a range of accessible facilities, such as designated parking spaces near entrances, ramps, accessible restrooms, and spacious areas for wheelchairs. Through this collaboration, Ablebook app users who visit McDonald’s restaurants can get information about accessible locations and request assistance if needed from the relevant staff. This ensures that all customers can enjoy their meals and moments without obstacles.

Our collaboration with McDonald’s restaurants is another step towards a more equal and open society for everyone. By providing facilities and services that meet the needs of people with disabilities, McDonald’s positively contributes to social progress and solidarity.

The foodhaus store chain is now on the Ablebook app

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Ablebook is launching a new collaboration with the foodhaus store chain. This collaboration contributes to providing all relevant information and services concerning the accessibility of individuals with disabilities and vulnerable groups.

Foodhaus stores provide handicapped parking spaces near their entrances, ramps, accessible toilets for individuals with disabilities, and spacious areas for wheelchairs. Through our collaboration, app users visiting foodhaus stores can get information about store accessibility and request assistance if needed by contacting responsible staff at each store. This way, everyone can shop without barriers.

Our collaboration with foodhaus food stores is another step towards a more equitable and open society for all. By offering facilities and services that meet the needs of individuals with disabilities, foodhaus stores contribute positively to social progress and solidarity.