WINTER UNIVERSIADE 2011 ERZURUM
Visibility ERZURUM2011 winteruniversiade
Now that construction work on the sports facilities and accommodations is coming to an end, the Universiade is taking shape day after day
One of them seats 3,000 and another has been specially fitted out for curling. Without even mentioning the two new towers overlooking the city and the university campus that were constructed for the ski jump competition next Winter.
international biathlon competitions. In addition, the centre will be equipped with facilities where teams, or simply enthusiastic tourists, can come to practice.
Finally, the large stadium that will host the ceremonies and the press centre is practically finished.
Erzurum will thus become the largest winter sports resort in eastern Turkey and the entire region. Even before the Universiade has begun, the city of Erzurum is looking to the future. There is no doubt that its investment policy targets the long term.
All these constructions have been going forward for several months and in some cases for several years.
Looking to the Future
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan (with sunglasses) visiting the ski jumping venue
They are nearing completion today and the city of Erzurum is beginning to feel the first effects of the upcoming Universiade.
Countdown We’re just a few months from the opening ceremony of the 25th Winter Universiade to be held in Erzurum, Turkey from 27 January to 6 February, 2011 and the Organizing Committee is on the last lap in preparing for the Games. 60
UNIVERSITY SPORTS MAGAZINE 79
The Universiade is just around the corner, the final countdown has begun and Erzurum is about to reap the advanta ges of its efforts now that the construction work is reaching completion. There is no doubt that, with the help of the federal government, the region has invested considerable amounts to
host this 25th Winter Universiade. The sites of Konakli (Alpine Skiing), Kandili (Cross-Country Skiing and Biathlon) are totally new, and the site at Palandöken (Snowboard, Freestyle Skiing) has been thoroughly renovated. When it comes to ice sports, no fewer than 6 rinks (!) have been constructed.
The International Biathlon Union (IBU), for example, was delighted to see the opening of the first Turkish biathlon site on 8 July 2010 (!) at Kandili near Erzurum. Ubaldo Prucker, who is the technical delegate and responsible for approvals at IBU stressed the quality of the facility set up especially for the Universiade. Clearly in the future, IBU will be taking a close look at any proposals from the city of Erzurum when it comes to organizing
Teams from relatively close countries will come to practice on these sports infrastructures all winter long. The ski jump centre is a perfect example. While many cities hesitate to take on this kind of investment, Erzurum has added a hotel, a panoramic restaurant and a gymnasium. In addition to the traditional K 120 (long jump) and K 95 (normal jump), the resort will boast three training ski jumps for beginners: K 65, K 40 and K 20. The ski jump centre is now essentially finished, and was inaugurated by the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan himself during a visit to Erzurum early August. To underline the support of the Turkish government and the entire region of Erzurum, the Prime Minister was accompanied by the Minister of Health, Mr. Recep Akdag and the Governor of Erzurum, Mr. Sebahattin Ozturk. The entire delegation was of course welcomed by Mr. Yunus Akgul, Director General for Youth and Sports and finally by the General Coordinator for the Universiade, Mr. Bekir Korkmaz. During his visit, the Prime Minister also took a side trip to the new stadium and visited several skating rinks. He was able to see for himself what an effort has been made to create infrastructures that will transform Erzurum into a winter sports resort.
Repetition The visit of the heads of delegations will be the next major rendezvous scheduled in Erzurum for the end of September 2010. The Organizing Committee is actively preparing for this event. All heads of delegations will have a chance to discover the sports infrastructures and the accommodations for the 25th Winter Universiade. The visit will last two days and it will provide the Organizing Committee with an excellent opportunity to show the delegates what their trip to Turkey will be like during the games. Many of them should be making the trip since more than 50 countries have announced their intention to take part in the Universiade. The groups for ice hockey, curling and synchronized skating will be drawn UNIVERSITY SPORTS MAGAZINE 79
61