Spotlight

Istanbul currently holds the title European Capital of Sports for 2012, an award granted to countries taking into account the existence of a sustainable sports strategy in the city.

"This title is based on an ethical commitment to the social function of sports as a bridge between the physical wellbeing of individuals, the general improvement of their quality of life and the harmonious integration of society," Raquel Picornell, communications director for European Capitals of Sports Association (ACES), told SES Türkiye.

According to the president of ACES, Gian Francesco Lupatelli, Turkey now faces a challenge and important responsibility. "It will be the reference in sport matter across Europe promoting the values of ACES EU, based on grassroots sport and health for all," Lupatelli told SES Türkiye, emphasising the greater significance of the award.

With its approximately 400 sport facilities, authorities argue that Istanbul already deserves the title. Having hosted the World Basketball Championship in 2010, organised the Eurasia Marathon for 33 years, and having been the home to high profile races like Formula 1, Moto GP and several internationally known tennis tournaments, Istanbul feels up to the challenge.

However, the activities to be held during 2012, with the motto "Get moving Istanbul" (Harekete Geç İstanbul), will further contribute to deepening the scope and reach of the activities. Spor A.S., the sports branch of the Istanbul Municipality, will manage and co-ordinate all events throughout 2012.

"We prepared an exhaustive strategic plan mainly focusing on free access of all citizens --including the disadvantaged ones like the pregnant, elderly, and disabled people -- to the sportive activities all around Istanbul," said Selim Terzi, assistant general manager of Spor A.S.

"We want to make sure that the 15 million residents of this city benefit from all sports facilities to engage in various branches of sports and spare time for sports in their personal and professional lives," he told SES Türkiye.

Spor A.S. is planning to carry out various activities, ranging from Nordic walking in May to the construction of Turkey's first sports museum, and bringing together Turkish athletes who have won an award in the past to encourage the use of stairs in the city.

The authorities are also planning to organise the World Disabled Children Olympics as well as the 32nd World Healthcare Professionals Olympics in Istanbul. The city will also host the 34th year of the Eurasia Marathon.

Funding for events is based of sponsors' contributions, as ACES does not provide any financial support. "Currently, a significant number of sponsors applied to us and we are waiting [to hear] from them to develop an appropriate project," Terzi told SES Türkiye.

Authorities are now hoping Istanbul will host the Olympic Games and other high profile sporting events in the future.

"We are aiming for not only being the European capital of sport but also becoming the main capital of sport all around the world," Terzi stated, noting Turkey's bid to host the 2020 Olympic Games.

"The country which will host the Olympic Games in 2020 will be selected in May 2013, so the European Capital of Sports title will help us increase our visibility and strength among the other five candidates, namely Rome, Madrid, Tokyo, Baku and Doha," he explained.