Ekrem İmamoğlu makes statement on 'violence in sports': 'It is above parties and politics'

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu gave a speech at the Olympic City Istanbul Thematic Presentation. İmamoğlu made a statement regarding the incidents of violence in sports.

"THERE WAS A DESIRE BY THE POLITICAL WILL TO INTERVENE IN EVERY ASPECT OF SPORTS"

Highlights from Ekrem İmamoğlu's statements are as follows:

Unfortunately, we have to address the issue of violence in sports. Sports mean brotherhood and friendship. For decades, when sports were mentioned, countries even paused wars between them. They watched with pleasure the magnificent feeling created by the struggle of human beings with their talents. Unfortunately, in our country, there was a desire by the political will to intervene in every aspect of sports. For this reason, this phenomenon, which creates indescribable moments of happiness for the entire society regardless of party, religion, language, or sect, is being replaced by tension in our country.

"SPORTS ARE ABOVE POLITICS"

Stating that sports mean fair play, peace, and brotherhood, İmamoğlu said, "That magnificent phenomenon, which allows society to leave behind all its material and spiritual problems and be happy, is becoming a tool for polarization. I want to make a call from here: 'Sports are above parties and politics; they never allow polarization, tension, and violence.' All sports are just a game. The rules set already do not allow for any negativity; the issue is just the correct application of the rules. At its core, sports mean fair play, peace, and brotherhood. As political institutions, we must collectively increase our belief in knowledge, experience, and science in sports. We must make the philosophy of Olympism an indispensable constitution for every institution related to sports."

News Source: 12punto