PADI and Cyprus Paralympic Committee to Host Landmark Diving for Peace Event to Empower Through Scuba
PADI® (Professional Association of Diving Instructors®) and the Cyprus National Paralympic Committee are teaming up for the second iteration of Diving for Peace, a powerful celebration of unity through action. On 20 September 2025 in Limassol, Cyprus, this event will bring together over 40 Paralympic athletes from around the world to become scuba divers and symbols of peace, inclusion, and the transformative power of the ocean.
Building on the success of the 2018 event, this year’s Diving for Peace event will also include participation from national ambassadors, ministers, senior figures from Olympic and Paralympic committees and PADI Regional and Worldwide representatives.
“Diving for Peace in collaboration with PADI aims to spread the passion for scuba diving, not only as a sport but also as a means of personal development and therapy”, says Dr. Andreas Roumbas, President of the Cyprus Paralympic Committee.
“Water has a profound healing effect on individuals who have the opportunity to experience its therapeutic benefits. 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.”
In addition to taking their first breaths underwater with the support of a team of PADI Adaptive Diving Instructors, these Paralympian athletes will also be meeting with and educating the public on the spirit of the Games during the 3rd annual Paralympic Panorama hosted by the Cyprus National Paralympic Committee.
“PADI’s deeper purpose is to transform lives and make the wonder of the underwater world accessible to all,” says Katie Thompson, Senior Director of Environment + Sustainability for PADI Worldwide. “Diving for Peace reflects our purpose in action — providing opportunities for individuals of all abilities to feel empowered to join us in seeking adventure and saving the ocean.”
As the world’s largest scuba diving organization, PADI’s commitment to ensuring access to the underwater world and its proven wellness benefits are available to all is made possible through its Adaptive Diving Program. Officially launched globally in 2018, this program includes courses that train both PADI Professionals and recreational divers on how to assist those with physical or mental disabilities. The program also created the PADI Adaptive Service Facility accreditation, which identifies dive centers and resorts that are set up to cater to those with accessibility needs.
“Together with the Cyprus Paralympic Committee, we are creating a space for healing, connection, and unity beneath the surface and celebrating what can happen when we break down barriers and come together,” says Thompson.
As PADI’s Adaptive Diving program continues to grow worldwide, events like Diving for Peace offer a powerful reminder of the important role scuba diving plays when it comes to creating balance between humanity and the ocean.
To learn more about PADI’s Adaptive Diving program visit www.padi.com/adaptive-service-facilities.
