28.05.2022
The Turkish Olympic Committee (TOC), with the support of Olympic Solidarity, has launched the “Empowering Girls through Sport” project at an event in Diyarbakir with the goal of contributing to the empowerment of girls through sports, supporting their education, and contributing to their physical, mental, and social development.
The project aims to help challenge existing gender norms, while the inclusion of female coaches looks to provide strong role models to inspire greater participation in sports among female students. The project involves tutoring from professional Turkish athletes and trained coaches in volleyball, basketball, and badminton. In addition, students are provided sports apparel and equipment to ensure that everyone can take part.
At the event held in Diyarbakır on Saturday 28 May, approximately 300 female students were given their new sports equipment and clothes. Their excitement was clear to see, as Turkish international badminton player Aliye Demirbağ showcased her skills and taught the students how to play.
“Like my brothers, I started playing sports at a young age. My interest in badminton increased day by day, which allowed me to reach a level where I can proudly represent my country on the international stage against the best in the world,” said Demirbağ.
“I believe that the girls who are with us today and who are introduced to sports through this project will also be the strong individuals of tomorrow.”
Seyit Plan Porsun, member of the Board of the National Olympic Committee of Turkey, said:
“At TOC, we are working with all our strength to facilitate the access to sports for our children and youth, so that one day they can compete at the highest level. Every corner of our country is full of children with high potential, who will be the light source of our future, and who will be role models for their future siblings. We are both very happy and proud to be able to touch their lives through sports.”
Diyarbakır Deputy Governor Ömer Coşkun, Diyarbakır Bağlar District Governor Yavuz Güner and Diyarbakır Provincial Director of Youth and Sports Nüammer Uslu, participated with the female students at the event and shared their enthusiasm for the basketball, volleyball and badminton activities.