ICSD Statement about Turkey. The 365-Day Countdown Began!

Dear Deaflympics Family,

This military coup in Turkey was deeply shocking. ICSD strongly condemns it as barbaric and cowardly act. This is not only attack on the government of Turkey, on humanity but on all humanitarian and Olympic Values. 

ICSD stands united with the Turkish people and people from around the Globe. Our thoughts and prayers with the families of those who have been killed and wounded. This is a heartbreaking situation.

ICSD, the Turkish Deaf Sport Federation, the Turkish Government, the Ministry of Youth and Sport are committed to protect the Deaflympics family during the World Deaf Championship July 18-24 and the Deaflympics in July 2017 and make it safer and even more successful. 

In these dark times we should remember the unifying power of sport that unite people and countries and brings piece and reconciliation. Today ICSD is Turkish. 

ICSD sends our condolences to the President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. 

We must say that none of our athletes that were brave enough to arrive to the World Deaf Championship this July has been harmed.  

“The 365 Countdown Ceremony” for the 2017 Defalympics was conducted respectfully and securely under the circumstances with the help of the national and local authorities. 

ICSD extends our heartfelt thanks to the President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, Minister of Youth and Sport Akif Cagatay Kilic, Governor of Samsun Ibrahim Sahin, Mayor of Samsun Yusuf Ziya Yilmaz, Youth and Sport Ministry Sport Evaluation & Development Committee Member Mr. Kaan Ark for their support.

Deaflympics 2017 in Samsun will be our common success!

Sincerely,

Dr. Valery Rukhledev,

ICSD President