The Water Sports Center in Mersin is attracting great interest.

The Babylon Water Sports Center, which was launched by the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality in April, has become the new favorite spot for the people of Mersin. Located in Mezitli district on a 340 square meter area right by the sea, the Babylon Water Sports Center offers free access to all branches for the citizens. The facility, where safety is a top priority with 24/7 security and locked changing rooms, provides optimist sailing for ages 7-14, laser sailing for ages 14-18, canoeing for ages 18 and above, and stand-up paddleboarding lessons for ages 16 and above.

“We welcome all our citizens to the Babylon Water Sports Center”
Babylon Water Sports Center Manager Gül Aydemir stated that they have been actively serving since April 15, saying, “We have sailing lessons with children groups from 09:00 to 16:00 on weekdays. We also have canoeing courses in sessions from 08:00-09:00, 09:00-10:00, 10:00-11:00. Our stand-up paddleboarding course continues for free on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings at 06:30 for our citizens. The area has become more active with the schools being on vacation.” Aydemir emphasized that each sports branch offered at the Babylon Water Sports Center is financially inaccessible to everyone, but thanks to Mayor Vahap opening the center, citizens can benefit from these branches free of charge. She invited all citizens to the Babylon Water Sports Center, stating that they just need to come to the center for registration. The center welcomes every citizen who knows how to swim.

“Having fun and exercising in the water”
The President of Super Sup Mersin Sports Club, Ali Saygılı, mentioned that their lessons start at sunrise and last about 60-70 minutes. They provide paddle board training, a sport performed with a single paddle. Participants bring their boards, practice with them, and then head out to the water together. They have fun, exercise, paddle, take photos and videos, and then return to use the facilities of the center. They utilize the storage rooms, male-female toilets, shower cabins, and lockers. Visitors can comfortably leave their belongings here.

Canoe instructor Aybüke Zeynep Arık commented, “First-time participants in canoeing really enjoy it. It is both a morning exercise and a fun activity. Everyone loves canoeing. Let them love sports and continue like this.”

“This facility offers many amenities”
Young athlete Ela Sönmez, who has been practicing sailing for 9 years, mentioned that she is currently using a laser. She praised Mayor Vahap for his emphasis on sports and youth. She highlighted the various amenities available at the center, such as clean shower facilities, which were lacking in the facilities she used before. She encouraged everyone to engage in sports and be active in some way, stating that sailing is a beautiful sport that teaches teamwork and solidarity.