Ahmet Nakkaş, one of the founders and the Chairman of the Sports Volunteers Association, shared his belief with friends that “sports is the best way to ensure unity in a society, a path to living together without religious, linguistic, or racial distinctions.” Together, they formed an association under the umbrella of sports volunteers. Their goals include invigorating Turkey, a sedentary society. They are aware of the challenging mission they have undertaken in a country where the percentage of licensed athletes is 2%, and the number of volunteers is 1.5%, aiming to change the perspective on sports.
Living in a way befitting humanity…
“The responsibility for creating a better world for the youth should be everyone’s. We need to uphold our values. Unity cannot exist where there is duality. Policies are transient; what matters are values. If humans are the most valuable beings, then we must live in a way befitting humanity.”
Due to a busy work life, Nakkaş took a 12-year break from sports. Encouraged by his father Nejat Nakkaş, one of the first national swimmers of the Republic, he returned to the pool at the age of 48 and started participating in competitions in the “Master” category. Just last week, in the FINA World Masters Swimming Championships held in Budapest, the national swimmer competed in the 50-54 age category, leaving 132 competitors behind and becoming the world champion. Nakkaş achieved gold medals by setting world championship records in the 50 and 100 meters freestyle and 200 meters individual medley.
In the 200 meters freestyle, Nakkaş finished first, setting a new European record. Nejat Nakkaş, who is of the same age as the Republic, is one of Turkey’s first swimmers, born in 1923, and is still swimming for his health.
