ISTANBUL, March 13, 2023 – The newly elected AIPS Europe Executive Committee had its first official meeting in Istanbul from 9 – 11 March. It was hosted by the Turkish Sports Writers Association (TSYD) and Turkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA).

AIPS Europe General Secretary Murat Agca welcomed the AIPS Europe Executive Committee, after which AIPS Europe President Charles Camenzuli expressed his thanks and appreciation to the officials of TSYD and TGA for their support and commitment to have the AIPS Europe EC meeting back in Turkiye even at a time of the devastating earthquake in the country.

TSYD and the AIPS Europe Executive Committee observed a moment of silence for the victims of the earthquake at the TSYD Headquarters. The EC was given an update on the situation in Turkiye following the earthquake disaster.

In his speech, TSYD EC member Ahmet Fusunoglu welcomed the AIPS Europe Executive Committee and presented a memento to AIPS Europe President on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of TSYD. The Director General of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in charge of International Events and External Relations, Ahmet Temurci wished the EC members a successful meeting. TSYD Sports Manager Bahri Havadır also welcomed the guests and invited the AIPS Europe EC to visit the TSYD museum and the facilities which include two swimming pools, indoor tennis and basketball courts, fitness centre and E-Games center, as well as the Administration block and University faculties.

The AIPS EC meeting opened with a moment of respect for the victims of the devastating earthquake in Turkiye and war in Ukraine and for the train disaster victims in Greece. At the meeting, AIPS Europe President Charles Camenzuli shared the importance of the meeting, saying that such meetings are useful to discuss important issues connected to the future of AIPS Europe.

The EC started its agenda with numerous issues for implementation in the 2022-26 cycle, during which several pivotal topics were reviewed, analyzed, and discussed. Amongst these, some partnership projects were approved and additional important decisions were taken, including signing a Memorandum of Understanding with European Taekwondo Federation, European Weightlifting Federation, European Judo Union, and other European federations, projects in Greece in June and September 2023 as detailed by Honorary AIPS Europe President Yannis Daras, as well as the proposals by Executive Committee members on marketing issues, solidarity projects, and student programs.

The EC considered supporting the development and implementation of joint initiatives promoting cooperation and exchanges of experience at the European level.

The Executive Committee was also informed of further details for the next AIPS Congress and AIPS Europe General Assembly which will take place on 8 – 11 May 2023 in Seoul, Korea.

Nargiz Mahmudzada – AIJA First Vice-president

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