Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak arrived in Amasya to attend various programs. As part of his program, Minister Bak first attended the opening of the Merzifon Youth Center.
The ceremony was attended by Amasya Governor Önder Bakan, AK Party Amasya Deputy Haluk İpek, Amasya University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hakkı Turabi, Merzifon Mayor Alp Kargı, and citizens.
"Turkey is experiencing a sports facility revolution"
Speaking at the opening, Minister Osman Aşkın Bak stated that Turkey's sports infrastructure is undergoing a major transformation. Bak said, "Turkey is experiencing a sports facility revolution. The importance our President places on youth and sports is evident in the works being implemented across Turkey."
Drawing attention to the increase in the number of youth centers, Minister Bak said, "We have increased the number of youth centers to nearly 600. Youth centers, which once numbered around 30-40, now serve our youth all across Turkey. In addition, we have equipped our country with sports investments such as modern stadiums, indoor sports halls, Olympic and semi-Olympic swimming pools, youth camps, athletics facilities, and artificial turf pitches."
Youth centers are hubs of art and culture
Emphasizing that youth centers are not just places for sports, Minister Bak said that in these centers, young people develop themselves in the fields of art, culture, theater, and technology, socialize, and connect with societal values.
Minister Bak noted that there are approximately 350 youth offices across Turkey and that 1.5 million young people have been reached so far. He added that the teams working at youth centers paint village schools, present theater performances to children, and carry out various social responsibility activities.
"We want to keep our youth away from bad habits"
Stating that one of the most important duties of the Ministry of Youth and Sports is to keep young people away from bad habits, Bak addressed families as follows: "Bring your children to our youth centers, sports halls, and swimming pools. Let them do sports, socialize, and discover the beauties of life through sports. Young people who do sports become the pride of society."
Minister Bak emphasized that they want to keep young people away from digital addiction, as well as drugs, alcohol, gambling, and other bad habits.
Mahmut Demir Sports Hall opened in Suluova
Minister Bak later inaugurated the Youth Center in Suluova. Speaking there, Bak said, "Today we are opening the new sports hall named after Mr. Mahmut Demir, who has rendered great services to Turkish wrestling and waved our flag at European, world, and Olympic competitions. We thank him for his services to our country."
Noting that Amasya is one of the important centers of wrestling, Bak said that wrestling is also highly valued in Suluova. Expressing that it is very valuable to honor champions while they are alive, Minister Bak said, "Hopefully, new champions will emerge from here as well."
Minister Bak also gave the good news that they will bring a semi-Olympic swimming pool to Suluova.
