The leaders influencing sports met at the summit in Altıeylül.

The “Turkish Sports Issues and Solution Search Summit,” organized in collaboration with the Altıeylül Municipality and Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality, brought together the sports community and sparked striking discussions.

Prominent figures from the sports world gathered in Balıkesir to address vital issues regarding the future of Turkish sports. The summit not only highlighted problems but also provided an important platform for developing effective solutions.

International experts met local heroes

Among the sports science experts attending the summit were leading figures from Germany, including Prof. Dr. Oliver Stoll, Dr. Angela Daalmann, and Sandra Middelbeck, as well as Roger Bongaerst, the Director of Education of the Dutch Football Federation. The summit, which started with opening speeches from Balıkesir Governor İsmail Ustaoglu, Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Akın, and Altıeylül Mayor Hakan Şehirli, transformed into a unique gathering where experienced members of the sports community shared their knowledge and expertise.

Striking Sessions and Innovative Solutions

Seven sessions were held as part of the summit, covering a wide range of topics such as sports management, coaching issues, the role of local governments, and artificial intelligence applications. Participants presented innovative ideas and concrete solutions for the future of Turkish sports.

The summit, broadcast live through the digital channels of the Altıeylül Municipality, reached an audience from all over Turkey. Viewers who listened to the valuable opinions of sports authorities and experts had the opportunity to gain important insights into the future of Turkish sports.

Hopeful steps were taken for the future

This summit shed light on the current problems of Turkish sports and paved the way for promising steps towards seeking solutions. The gathering of participants strengthened solidarity within the sports community and laid the groundwork for future collaborations. It is expected that this historic summit held in Balıkesir will make significant contributions to Turkish sports and be a precursor to lasting changes.

Mayor Hakan Şehirli: “Sports is the Cornerstone of Our Future”

Starting his speech by welcoming everyone to Balıkesir and the heart of Balıkesir, Altıeylül, Mayor Şehirli said, “Today, we have gathered here to address the issues and solutions of sports in Turkey. Sports has a wide impact on public health, the economy, social solidarity, and individual development; however, we still have many unresolved issues. One of the biggest shortcomings facing sports is the inadequacy of infrastructure. Our young talents are not being supported enough because of this. Moreover, we know that sports should serve not only for achievement but also for creating a culture of healthy living. We need to establish a strong sports culture to overcome these problems. We must make our children love sports and integrate sports and healthy living into our lifestyle. The public, local governments, and the private sector need to increase their cooperation, and we should expand sponsorship and investment. Standardizing athlete training programs and correctly guiding talented youths is also of critical importance.”

Mayor Akın: “Balıkesir is on the Path to Becoming a Sports City”

Mayor Akın expressed his happiness to be with everyone at this panel addressing the problems and solution searches of Turkish sports. He stated, “First of all, I would like to emphasize that we, as the Metropolitan Municipality, place great importance on sports. These meetings will improve our coordination with our sports stakeholders and set an example in Balıkesir. I believe that supporting sports and athletes is crucial for creating an active city. The infrastructure of sports needs to be strengthened, sports schools need to be supported, and sports awareness needs to be raised. We must work in collaboration with all stakeholders during this process. We have world-class athletes in Balıkesir, and their successes inspire us. The energy of our young people who are interested in sports in our city is our source of motivation. We are evaluating Balıkesir’s potential to become a sports city. While modernizing our existing facilities, we are strengthening our sports infrastructure with new facilities. We are providing material and financial support to our sports clubs, ensuring that our athletes can train healthily. Lastly, I would like to thank all the clubs, coaches, and athletes who contribute to sports activities in our city. Through this collaboration, we will jointly produce solutions to the problems of Turkish sports.”

Governor İsmail Ustaoğlu: “Sports is Crucial for Our Future”

In his speech, Governor İsmail Ustaoğlu stated, “Today, we have come together in a very meaningful session hosted by our Altıeylül Municipality, to discuss the problems and solution searches of Turkish sports. Our country, with its historical and cultural background, is a great country; it has raised many successful athletes on the international stage. Sports plays an important role in the development of our youth and in social change. I would like to remind you of the emphasis made by Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk that athletes should be smart, agile, and ethical.

I am very pleased with the interest in sports activities in Balıkesir. We have sports facilities in every district, and our youth benefit from these opportunities. With the contributions of our Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports, we are achieving success in many branches, such as volleyball, in Balıkesir. Today, we have gathered here to discuss the issues of sports. I thank all participants and welcome you.”

Balıkesir Governor İsmail Ustaoğlu, Balıkesir Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Akın, Altıeylül District Governor Turgay Hakan Bilgin, Balıkesir University Vice-Rector Murat Doğdubay, Balıkesir Youth and Sports Provincial Director Adem Özalp, Balıkesirspor President Abdullah Bekki, and Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality Youth and Sports Services Department Head Uğur Baysal also participated in the Turkish Sports Issues and Solution Search Summit.