Athletes overcoming obstacles met with students.

In a talk organized at Selçuk University, national taekwondo athlete Gamze Gürdal and successful athlete Mehmet Sami Saraç met with students. The national athletes emphasized that sports significantly contribute to self-confidence and socialization, stating that it teaches how to cope with life’s challenges.

Selçuk University hosted a meaningful gathering highlighting how sports can overcome obstacles. National taekwondo athlete Gamze Gürdal, who won a silver medal in the Women’s 57 kg para taekwondo at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, and national athlete Mehmet Sami Saraç, who succeeded in competing in the last 16 of the men’s +80kg category, came together with students at the Sultan Alparslan Cultural Center. Associate Professor Dr. Mustafa Güler, coordinator of the Disabled Students Unit, pointed out that the main problem for disabled individuals is the barriers created by society. Güler stated, “We aim to help all our disabled students achieve their goals and realize their dreams without leaving anyone behind at our university.”

“Sports greatly contribute to self-confidence and socialization”

National taekwondo athlete Gamze Gürdal shared her social struggle after discovering sports, describing the transformative effect of sports on her life. Gürdal, who always tries to inspire others, said, “I feel like an ambassador at school because I create awareness wherever I go. I have read a lot and developed myself. I have communicated with many people. We can do things not only in sports but also in many fields such as art, painting, and music. But why do we think we can’t do it?”

Gürdal mentioned that one of the greatest values sports brought her was realizing she was not alone, and she deeply felt this emotion when she met other disabled athletes at the Turkish Championship. She stated, “Meeting other people like me gave me great confidence. I no longer hide myself because this is my normal, and I continue my life this way.”

Gamze Gürdal emphasized that sports provide significant contributions to self-confidence and socialization, advising young people to engage with sports.

“We have taken a more active role in social life”

Successful national athlete Mehmet Sami Saraç, who began to participate in social life with the support of his father after an accident at the age of 5, stated that the foundation of his achievements lies in his family’s dedication. He mentioned that he participated in various organizations invited by the state due to the ranks he achieved in his sports career. Saraç said, “The memories we have during team camps increase our motivation. We have started to be more grateful for the challenges we face by joking with each other.”

Certificates of appreciation were presented to national taekwondo athlete Gamze Gürdal and national athlete Mehmet Sami Saraç by Associate Professor Dr. Mustafa Güler, the coordinator of the Disabled Students Unit.