The Metropolitan Municipality Water Sports Center in Gülyalı district, which has become the new address for national and international sports organizations with the visionary efforts of Ordu Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Mehmet Hilmi Güler, has once again witnessed great excitement. The 2nd Dragon Boat Races hosted by the center fascinated the audience with adrenaline-filled moments and colorful events.
504 Athletes Rowed in Ordu Waters
504 athletes from Ordu and surrounding provinces competed fiercely in dragon boat races in 12 teams of 42 people each. This grand event held at the Ordu Water Sports Center hosted unforgettable moments with the determined performances of the athletes and the enthusiasm of the audience.
Full Support from Protocol
Ordu Governor Muammer Erol, Ordu Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Mehmet Hilmi Güler, Gülyalı District Governor Hatice Üstün Adanur and Gülyalı Mayor Medet Sipahi held the opening ceremony of the 2nd Dragon Boat Races together. This meaningful support from the protocol emphasized the importance of sports and athletes.
Mayor Guler: “Ordu is Becoming a Sports Center”
Ordu Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Mehmet Hilmi Güler, who closely followed the exciting races, stated that they were taking firm steps towards making Ordu a national and international sports center with the sports investments and organizations they carried out.
In his statement, Mayor Güler said, “Today, we are experiencing the excitement of the dragon boat races being held for the second time in our city. This organization actually shows how prone and enthusiastic our city is to sports. Secondly, we created this facility from scratch. This facility was standing idle next to the airport. We transformed it into a modern and multi-purpose facility. In addition, we produce the boats used here today. In other words, there is both a national and local effort. This event is an event befitting the grandchildren of Barbaros. Therefore, the efforts and events held in every field also give us important messages for the future of Ordu. There is a great atmosphere. I congratulate everyone who contributed.” Mayor Güler’s words drew attention to Ordu’s rise in the field of sports and the importance it gives to projects supported by local production.
Full Marks to the Facility from Athletes and Citizens
Citizens who came to the Metropolitan Municipality Water Sports Center and athletes who participated in the competitions gave full marks to the facility for its modern structure and the opportunities it offered. The athletes, who stated that the facility was above standards, thanked those who contributed and expressed their feelings as follows:
“First of all, it is a source of pride for us to have such a facility in our city. We would like to thank the Metropolitan Municipality for bringing such a facility to our city. We are having a great time here today. Adrenaline, excitement, activity, whatever you are looking for is there. This is actually the environment we are looking for. Dragon boat races are being held in our city for the second time this year. We are here so that we do not miss it. Hopefully, we will be here again next year. We would like to thank those who contributed.” These statements clearly show how much the facility is appreciated and embraced by both athletes and citizens. Ordu Water Sports Center continues to increase the sports tourism potential of the region with such successful organizations.
