Volleyball World Product Director Marcelo da Costa Hargreaves, Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Youth and Sports Services Department Head Serkan Yorgancılar, and national volleyball players Dilay Özdemir, Ezel Balık, and Aylin Uysalcan attended the opening event held at Batıkent Recreation Area.
The court, prepared as part of a project to leave a permanent sports legacy in host cities of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL), features a design by local artist Emir Aktunç. The court displays portraits of national volleyball players Cansu Özbay, Gizem Örge, Hande Baladın, Melissa Vargas, and Zehra Güneş.
Project's purpose and goals
In his opening remarks, Hargreaves stated that the VNL is held in many cities around the world. "This is not just a one-week sporting event," said Hargreaves. "We want to create a legacy for the communities we visit. By bringing together art, culture, and volleyball, we breathe new life into public spaces and encourage people to experience this sport."
Hargreaves conveyed that the project's long-term goal is to connect children, especially girls, with sports, adding that the landscape in Turkey is the result of the federation's and society's successful work over many years. "New athletes are being raised across the country. This court will be an additional incentive contributing to this development," he said.
Turkish volleyball's position and passion
Hargreaves also touched on Turkish volleyball's position in the world. "I don't see this connection between the team and the culture everywhere. The passion in Turkey is incredible," he said. Reminding that until last year, the VNL spectator record was in Turkey, Hargreaves commented, "I hope this momentum continues and the team remains among the world's best in the coming years. That's why we are here and we will come back again next year."
National volleyball players Dilay Özdemir, Ezel Balık, and Aylin Uysalcan emphasized that the level reached by Turkish volleyball is a source of pride. They stated that being able to inspire young athletes is of great importance to them.
At the end of the event, the national players held an exhibition match with children, and participants took commemorative photos on the court.
