The inaugural Gallipoli Games was held in 2015 under the patronage of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey. It was held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign and is intended to be held every two years.
Background edit
The Games have the motto: On the land their ancestors sacrificed their lives 100 years ago, they are now competing for peace. [1] University students from seven countries - Turkey, Australia, New Zealand, India, Germany, France and the Great Britain are eligible to compete.[1] The torch relay commenced in March 2015 and it visited the seven participating countries.[1]
The University Sports Federation of Turkey managed the Games, and the Turkish Government provided funding of TRY 50 million.[2]
The first Games were due to be held 25–29 April 2015. However, in mid-April 2015, the organisers decided to postpone the Games to tie in with the International Day of Peace on September 21. Games co-chairman Omer Mutlugun said "the postponement would allow the event to receive due international recognition and better mirror the games’ motto about competing for peace."[3]
Summary edit
| No | Dates | Location | Sports | No of Athletes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | September 2015 | Çanakkale, Turkey | 3x3 basketball, tennis, cycling, triathlon, sailing, beach volleyball, open water swimming, rugby 7s | 490 [1] |
External links edit
References edit
- ^ a b c d "Gallipoli Games". Official website. Retrieved 21 March 2015.
- ^ "Australia returns to Turkey for Gallipoli Games". Australia University Sport News. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 21 March 2015.
- ^ Rabar, Julia (17 April 2015). "Gallipoli Games postponed in shock decision by University Sports Federation of Turkey". Waverley Leader. Retrieved 19 May 2015.