ATHENS – The Hellenic-Cypriot Cultural Association/ Syndesmos Politismou Elladas Kyprou (HCCA/SPEK) on July 30 announced the results of its open invitation for submissions of poems and texts of poetic reflection inspired by the poems of Yiannis Ritsos. The 3rd Poetry or Poetry Contemplation Competition for young people (ages 17-37) focused on the theme "Anthology of Poetry for Yiannis Ritsos" was held by HCCA in collaboration with Archytas Publications, beginning on April 23, World Book Day, and ended on May 23.

The HCCA received about 110 works from young people (17-37 years old) from Cyprus and Greece, but also from Greeks and Cypriots living abroad. A special committee, based on criteria governing the principles of literature, poetry and language, but also according to additional social and cultural criteria, studied the entries submitted and selected the 61 that stood out. The selected works will be included in a special anthology for Yiannis Ritsos, which will be published by the HCCA in collaboration with Archytas Publications.

HCCA President Sissy Sigioultzi-Rouka and President of the Cyprus Writers' Union and HCCA Vice President Dr. Joseph S. Josephides, onbehalf of the Evaluation Committee, thanked all the participants for their efforts and at the same time expressed special thanks to all those who supported the institution of this competition and contributed to its wider communication.

The HCCA competitions encourage Greek-speaking young people to express themselves through literature. The best texts from the valid entries are published in a special anthology. The HCCA specialized radio and television show on Web RadioTV "Solomos" will follow in support of the publication and circulation of the poetry anthology for Yiannis Ritsos, which will be open to those who wish to participate from the honorees. At the same time, press releases in the media, newsletters and publications on social media will frame the publication of the anthology. All the anthologies of poetry by HCCA youth are published by Archytas publications and are available in all bookstores, but also through direct orders internationally.

More information and the full results are available online: shorturl.at/flIS3.