With tremendous enthusiasm, the "Horse Sleigh Festival" was conducted at the Atatürk University Faculty of Sports Sciences in collaboration with the Turkish Traditional Equestrian Sports Federation (TGASDF).

 The event, which was organised with the objective of enhancing the University-Society partnership and preserving traditional Turkish sports for the benefit of future generations, garnered significant attention from both athletes and citizens.

 Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu, Erzurum Governor Mustafa Çiftçi, Turkish Traditional Equestrian Sports Federation President Dr. Hakan Kazancı, Faculty of Sports Sciences Dean Prof. Dr. Ahmet Gökhan Yazıcı, Erdem Kara, Erzurum Provincial Representative of the Turkish Traditional Equestrian Sports Federation (TGASDF), Oktay Ayatay, Erzurum Youth and Sports Provincial Manager Levent Çakmur, and numerous citizens and athletes were in attendance.

 At the Atatürk University Stadium, 26 teams from three distinct provinces participated in the competitions. Üç Hilal Equestrian Sports Club captured the first position in the fiercely contested competitions by complete the 800-meter course in 1 minute, 14 seconds, and 84 milliseconds. Şah Dadaş Equestrian Sports Club and Aziziye Şengel Equestrian Sports Club finished in second and third place, respectively. The plates were presented to the winning participants in a ceremony following the competition.

 Rector Hacımüftüoğlu: "One of our most significant responsibilities is the preservation of our traditional sports and their transmission to the younger generation."

 At the event, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu, the Rector of Atatürk University, asserted that traditional sports are indicative of the cultural norms of society. He also stated, "Sports are among the most deeply ingrained cultural values that the Turkish nation has possessed for centuries." Our traditional sports, such as horse-drawn sleighs, both reinforce the sentiment of unity and solidarity in our society and cast light on our history. In this regard, Atatürk University assumes a leadership position in cultural and athletic events, in addition to scientific endeavours. The climate and natural beauty of Erzurum provide a distinctive environment that is conducive to the practice of these sports. We take pride in the organisation of this festival, which is consistent with our university's mission of societal integration. The preservation of our traditional athletics and their transmission to the younger generation are among our most critical obligations.

 Governor Mustafa Çiftçi of Erzurum underscored the city's status as a pioneer in both traditional games and winter sports, as it has been designated as the Capital of Tourism and has established a reputation for successfully organising events. He expressed his satisfaction with the organisation of these events. Dr. Hakan Kazancı, President of the Turkish Traditional Equestrian Sports Federation, also announced the successful completion of the first organisation of 2025. He expressed his gratitude to Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu, Rector of Atatürk University, for his support, interest, and hospitality during the festival.

 Governor Mustafa Çiftçi, Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu, and other participants rode horse-drawn sleighs and shared the athletes' enthusiasm at the conclusion of the event.

 The public's enthusiastic involvement served as a striking illustration of the university-society partnership, while Atatürk University's commitment to traditional sports was further fortified by these events.

 19.01.2025 - Corporate Communications Directorate