03.07.2025 18:15
The opening of the summer sports courses organized by the Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality for children aged 7 to 16 in 24 different branches was held with the participation of Mayor Mehmet Kasım Gülpınar. In his speech to the youth during the program, Mayor Gülpınar stated, "Unfortunately, phones, social media, and technology have their disadvantages. Sports are the strongest shield against bad habits."
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The Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality continues its efforts to guide young people towards sports and cultural activities to make the most of their summer months without slowing down. The summer sports courses opened in 24 different branches for all students aged 7-16 kicked off with a grand opening ceremony held at the ŞUTİM Indoor Swimming Pool and the newly opened Paşabağı Sports Hall right behind it for the 2025 season.
Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mehmet Kasım Gülpınar also attended the program. Mayor Gülpınar first visited the trainees at the ŞUTİM Indoor Swimming Pool, watched the swimming team's training, and chatted with the athletes. He then moved to the Paşabağı Sports Hall and gave a meaningful speech to the youth and their families.
"THESE CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE, WE WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE FOR THEM"
In his speech at the opening, Mehmet Kasım Gülpınar expressed his emotional and sincere commitment to the youth. Gülpınar stated, "Seeing this view once again made me sure of one thing; no matter what happens, we must continue to serve this country for these children. There are two groups that connect me to this country and this duty; I won't mention one, but one group is right here, these children. When I see the sparkle in the children's eyes, this excitement, this energy, I understand that these children are our future," he said.
GÜLPINAR'S WARNING TO YOUTH ABOUT TECHNOLOGY
Gülpınar highlighted the negative aspects of technology in his speech. "In my opinion, the worst habit of this era is the phone, social media, and unfortunately, the disadvantages brought by technology. There are many advantages, but there are also many disadvantages," said Gülpınar, emphasizing that the most effective way to keep young people away from these negative habits is through sports.
"SPORT IS THE STRONGEST SHIELD AGAINST BAD HABITS"
Mayor Gülpınar reiterated the importance of engaging youth in activities to save them from bad habits, stating, "We must keep our youth occupied with something to save them from bad habits. Sports is the strongest shield against bad habits." He reminded that Şanlıurfa is the city with the youngest population in Turkey and emphasized that properly guiding this young population is the guarantee of the future. Mayor Gülpınar said, "We provide sports and arts education in 24 different branches to equip our children both physically and mentally and to develop their social skills."
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE WITH MODERN SPORTS FACILITIES
Mayor Gülpınar also emphasized the importance of infrastructure for the development of sports, announcing that six indoor sports halls have been built in three central districts with the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Sports Toto Organization. "Thus, we are using our resources more efficiently and providing quality environments for our athletes," said Gülpınar, adding that rented and non-functional halls have been closed, and activities moved to modern facilities are of higher quality.
"OUR CHILDREN ARE LEARNING TO SWIM IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT"
Addressing the unfortunate incidents involving children entering irrigation canals in previous years, Mayor Gülpınar stated, "Learning from these tragedies, we have opened a total of 10 swimming pools for our people, 7 of which are open and 3 are indoor. With 46 lifeguards, 6 pool water operators, and 7 coaches, our children are learning to swim in a safe environment," reiterating the goal of "no child left untrained in swimming in Şanlıurfa."
INVESTING IN YOUTH IS INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
Continuing his speech by addressing the contributions of youth to both their individual development and society through sports, Mayor Gülpınar expressed his belief that "there will not be a single young person left undiscovered or unsupported."
Gülpınar stated, "These lands have raised many champions. I believe that future national athletes will emerge from these summer sports schools and will proudly wave our flag," encouraging the youth.
YOUTH EQUIPPED WITH SPORTS AND CULTURE IN 24 BRANCHES
In the summer sports schools opened by the Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality this year, there are many branches including classic sports such as basketball, volleyball, and football, as well as martial arts like taekwondo, judo, archery, karate, wushu, muay thai, swimming, table tennis, darts, and court tennis. Additionally, there are areas supporting cultural and mental development such as painting, computer, robotic coding, saz, violin, guitar, chess, and values education.
The program concluded with impressive performances by athletes in the Taekwondo, Wrestling, Karate, and Wushu branches.
THEY ARE SMALL IN SIZE, BUT THEIR GOALS ARE BIG
The children participating in the courses stated that they benefit from the Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality's courses to stay away from the negative effects of technology and to make the most of their free time, thanking Mayor Mehmet Kasım Gülpınar for providing these opportunities. The children, especially those participating in the Taekwondo and wrestling courses, expressed that they have big goals such as European championships and Olympic championships.
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