Marash Beach Football Festival: An International Event
International Maraş Down Beach Football Festival Raises Awareness for Down Syndrome
The International Maraş Down Beach Football Festival took place in Maraş, Famagusta, in cooperation with the TRNC Disabled Sports Federation, the International Down Federation, and the International Down TRNC. The festival aimed to raise awareness for Down syndrome and promote societal inclusion for people with disabilities.
Teams from six countries, including TRNC, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kazakhstan, and Poland, participated in the beach football festival. President Ersin Tatar kicked off the event, which was also attended by his wife Sibel Tatar, Mayor of Famagusta Süleyman Uluçay, and federation presidents from the participating countries.
In his speech, Ahmet Akdeniz, the President of the TRNC Sports Federation for the Disabled, emphasized that the festival aimed to highlight that Down syndrome is not a disease but a difference, and to promote awareness and inclusivity. The festival was organized in cooperation with the International Down Federation, which has members from 90 countries.
Muhammed Abdullah Tuncay, the President of the International Down Syndrome Federation, expressed his appreciation for the contributions and participation of President Tatar and the federation presidents from the participating countries. He also noted that the event’s international dimension was crucial, and he thanked the organizers for choosing Maraş as the location.
President Tatar, highlighting the importance of the event’s international scope, stated, “We, together with the international community, are in great struggle to overcome all obstacles in the TRNC.” He emphasized the inclusivity of the festival, saying, “Our children with Down syndrome are not different from other children, and there is support for them to overcome the obstacles in front of them.”
The festival concluded with the International Down Syndrome Federation presenting a commemorative plate to President Tatar and other federation presidents. Before the festival, a cortege was held, featuring President Tatar and his wife Sibel Tatar, in front of the entrance gate of Maraş. The event was a meaningful and beautiful show of inclusivity and awareness-raising, promoting a positive and equitable future for people with disabilities.
