ADANA, THE CITY OF KEBAB OR WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL
Adana, an agricultural city, south of Turkey, is famous for the traditional dish, kebab. However, kebab has been facing a strong opponent for the last 5 years. Wheelchair basketball is on the agenda of the city more than anything. Adana gradually became a city of wheelchair basketball. In 2005, a preliminary round for Willi Brinkmann Cup was organized, in 2006 the finals of Andre Vergauwen Cup was a big success and then in 2007 the finals of Willi Brinkmann Cup was organized, recently in 2008, U22 European Championship was organized and selected one of the best organizations in Europe by the participants. Finally in 2009, the third biggest event in the world of wheelchair basketball after the Paralimpic Games and World Cup, European Championships for Men will be organized in October with the participation of 12 best teams of Europe. To be able to represent their nations in the World Cup in 2010 Birmingham, the teams will try to be ranked in the first five.
After the big surprise of Sweden in Wetzlar Eurobasketball 2007, home team Turkey is looking for the same kind of rise. Turkey is aiming to be in the first five and participate in the Gold Cup for the first time in her history of wheelchair basketball. Each year the nations grow more equal and this makes the sports more unique and exciting. In addition, the citizens of Adana is well known for their liking of wheelchair basketball. They showed their interest in the final of U22 European Championship last summer Turkey vs. Spain game. All the tickets were sold out and there were a lot of spectators who stayed outside.
It will not be a suprise for anyone, if Adana makes a bid for the World Junior Championships in 2013. Behind all this change there is a dedicated group. Starting from Mr. Ali Duran Karakaya, the person in charge of wheelchair basketball for the Turkish Sports for the Physically Disabled Federation, who is also the President of the LOC and Mr. İsmail Güneş, the coordinator of the LOC, made the mayor, the governor and all the firms of the Adana believe that wheelchair basketball is a great sport and got their support. In addition, National Lottery, Turkish Presentation Fund, Hilton Hotel and TEMSA, THY (transportation sponsor) decided to sponsor the organization.
In every organization of Adana, I was a referee, a TV commentator, an interpreter or a volunteer. That’s why I’m sure Adana will give us an another unforgettable tournament.
Good luck Adana.
See you in October 5th
Utku ERTAN
Honorary Adana Citizen
Adana, an agricultural city, south of Turkey, is famous for the traditional dish, kebab. However, kebab has been facing a strong opponent for the last 5 years. Wheelchair basketball is on the agenda of the city more than anything. Adana gradually became a city of wheelchair basketball. In 2005, a preliminary round for Willi Brinkmann Cup was organized, in 2006 the finals of Andre Vergauwen Cup was a big success and then in 2007 the finals of Willi Brinkmann Cup was organized, recently in 2008, U22 European Championship was organized and selected one of the best organizations in Europe by the participants. Finally in 2009, the third biggest event in the world of wheelchair basketball after the Paralimpic Games and World Cup, European Championships for Men will be organized in October with the participation of 12 best teams of Europe. To be able to represent their nations in the World Cup in 2010 Birmingham, the teams will try to be ranked in the first five.
After the big surprise of Sweden in Wetzlar Eurobasketball 2007, home team Turkey is looking for the same kind of rise. Turkey is aiming to be in the first five and participate in the Gold Cup for the first time in her history of wheelchair basketball. Each year the nations grow more equal and this makes the sports more unique and exciting. In addition, the citizens of Adana is well known for their liking of wheelchair basketball. They showed their interest in the final of U22 European Championship last summer Turkey vs. Spain game. All the tickets were sold out and there were a lot of spectators who stayed outside.
It will not be a suprise for anyone, if Adana makes a bid for the World Junior Championships in 2013. Behind all this change there is a dedicated group. Starting from Mr. Ali Duran Karakaya, the person in charge of wheelchair basketball for the Turkish Sports for the Physically Disabled Federation, who is also the President of the LOC and Mr. İsmail Güneş, the coordinator of the LOC, made the mayor, the governor and all the firms of the Adana believe that wheelchair basketball is a great sport and got their support. In addition, National Lottery, Turkish Presentation Fund, Hilton Hotel and TEMSA, THY (transportation sponsor) decided to sponsor the organization.
In every organization of Adana, I was a referee, a TV commentator, an interpreter or a volunteer. That’s why I’m sure Adana will give us an another unforgettable tournament.
Good luck Adana.
See you in October 5th
Utku ERTAN
Honorary Adana Citizen
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