Overview of Maths Competitions in Cyprus

How to Choose the Right Maths Olympiad? Recommendations for Parents

Why Should a Student Participate in a Mathematics Olympiad? When we asked parents this question, we received a variety of responses:

• To explore mathematics beyond the classroom setting.
• To overcome the fear of mathematics and discover that it can be engaging and enjoyable.
• To compete with strong opponents, step beyond the school environment, and compare themselves with others.
• To experience the joy of problem-solving.
• To meet like-minded peers, become part of a community, and expand their social circle.
• To enrich their portfolio through meaningful achievements.

A mathematics Olympiad can indeed fulfil all these goals. However, the challenge lies in the fact that these objectives often contradict one another. Imagine a child who fears mathematics stepping into a highly competitive Olympiad, where organisers are more focused on ranking participants than offering accessible problems for everyone. How would they feel? Conversely, will an Olympiad designed primarily for enjoyment and fun truly add value to a student’s portfolio? This is why choosing the right Olympiad is crucial—it should align with the student's individual goals and expectations.

In Cyprus alone, there are at least six different mathematics Olympiads held exclusively in an offline format. If we include online competitions, the number rises to dozens. To help you navigate this vast selection, we have created a tool that provides a comprehensive perspective on each Olympiad, allowing you to assess how well it aligns with your current objectives.

Let’s present it using three key scales:

• The first scale reflects the attitude towards the statement: "It's not about winning, but taking part."
  Olympiads positioned towards the left side of this scale truly embrace this philosophy—they are supportive, encouraging, and create a comfortable environment for participants. At the far end of the spectrum, on the other hand, are competitions that prioritise results, where success is measured primarily by rankings and prize-winning performances.
• The second scale represents the approach to problem composition.
  Olympiads positioned towards the left expect participants to have a certain level of preparation—whether it's based on the standard school curriculum or specialised "Olympiad mathematics" (depending on the competition). On the right side of the scale, competitions focus more on creative problem-solving and unconventional thinking, rather than adhering to specific academic programmes.
• The third scale reflects social positioning.
  Olympiads positioned towards the left aim to foster a sense of community, encouraging participants to return, engage, and connect with one another. On the right side of the scale, competitions are more individualistic, focusing purely on personal results—each participant receives their score and moves on.

None of these scales are meant to be judgmental. We are not suggesting that result-driven Olympiads are inherently better than those focused on participation, or that a strong social component is always an advantage. Each format serves its own purpose. For example, if the goal is to enjoy the experience and create positive memories associated with mathematics, then competitions that prioritise participation and social interaction would be the best fit. On the other hand, if the aim is to test knowledge and benchmark performance against others, it makes sense to choose individual competitions that emphasise results and skill assessment.

Let's use this tool to position the four major local Olympiads in Cyprus on the given scales.

Mathematics Olympiads in Cyprus

1. CMS Regional Competition
   Grades: 5–11
   Format: Traditional, written solutions
   Languages: English, Greek
   Dates: Early November (registration deadline: mid-October)

   This is the most prestigious and rigorous mathematics Olympiad in Cyprus. While the regional stage is relatively accessible, it still requires a solid skill set. Winners advance to the Pan-Cypriot stage, where the difficulty level increases significantly. Those who excel move on to training sessions and then selection exams for the International Mathematics Competition (IMC). This Olympiad is strongly result-driven, striking a fine balance between curriculum-based mathematics, Olympiad-level problem-solving, and genuine mathematical interest. However, opportunities for social interaction are limited, especially at the Pan-Cypriot stage and beyond.

2. Kangaroo
   Grades: 1–11.
   Format: Multiple-choice test
   Languages: Russian, English, Greek
   Dates: Mid-March (registration deadline: late February – early March)

   This is a widely recognised international Olympiad, held in numerous countries. It is highly accessible for beginners and requires little to no specialised preparation. The questions are fairly simple, allowing participants to enjoy the experience rather than stress over competition. It is one of only two Olympiads in Cyprus available in Russian. However, due to recent changes, the default language for the tasks is now English, and Russian versions can only be provided if a school makes a special request. From next year, organisers plan to reinstate Russian as a selectable language during registration.

3. Cypriot Mathematical Olympiad
   Grades: 3–11
   Format: Multiple-choice test
   Languages: English, Greek
   Dates: Early April (registration deadline: first half of March)

   This is another test-based Olympiad, but unlike "Kangaroo", it is more curriculum-focused. Interestingly, the Greek education system has absorbed many elements from the British model, while still maintaining characteristics familiar to those accustomed to Russian educational standards — for example, a strong emphasis on geometry. This competition is accessible to all students yet provides a valuable benchmark for assessing one's mathematical proficiency against peers across Cyprus. It is an excellent choice for those who want to measure their skills objectively within a structured academic framework.

4. MathFest
   Grades: 1–11
   Format: Open-ended or short-answer problems
   Languages: Russian, English
   Dates: First half of February (registration deadline: flexible)

   This young and dynamic Olympiad is designed as a mathematical celebration, where every participant’s contribution matters. Unlike traditional competitions, it offers a vibrant and engaging atmosphere, combining problem-solving with interactive experiences. Throughout the event, students not only tackle mathematical challenges but also socialise, learn, and immerse themselves in the world of mathematics. A key feature is parental involvement—while children compete, parents can attend lectures and seminars tailored for them. One of MathFest’s unique aspects is its instant grading system—participants receive immediate feedback on their performance on the same day. The event culminates in a puzzle-solving session for all ages and a grand awards ceremony, making it a truly memorable and enriching experience.

Here is how we believe these Olympiads are positioned on the abovementioned scales:

We hope this brief overview has been not only interesting but also useful. It will help you make informed decisions when selecting Olympiads, set goals together with your child, and find competitions that align with those objectives.

Author
Nikolay Maslov
Head of the Mathematics Department at Trinity Private School, author of an Olympiad training methodology, and developer of educational programmes.