TURKISH FAIR PLAY IS 44 YEARS OLD

ISTANBUL (TSA) – The TMOK Fair Play Commission, which has continuously expanded and enhanced its activities since its establishment, is celebrating its 44th anniversary.

The journey of Fair Play awareness in Türkiye has progressed through past and present efforts while planning for the future, and it has earned admiration worldwide. Founded in 1981, the commission aims to pass its valuable work on to new generations and to instill the spirit of Fair Play in Turkish youth.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF FAIR PLAY IN TÜRKİYE

Following the recognition of the International Fair Play Council by the IOC, the TMOK Fair Play Commission was established in Türkiye on November 17, 1981, under the chairmanship of Turgut Atakol. The commission’s first members were Dr. Tarık Özerengin, attorneys Merih Sezen and Doğan Koloğlu, and athletes Ruhi Sarıalp and Ahmet Cömert.

Türkiye’s first Fair Play Award was given to deaf-mute sailor Varol Hepağuşlar in 1982 for warning an opponent during the Balkan Sailing Championships. In 1983, goalkeeper İsmet Karababa received the Baron Pierre de Coubertin Award—the highest honor in international Fair Play—for confirming a goal scored against his own team.

With a new statute enacted in 1993, the Turkish Fair Play Council was formed, with Erdoğan Arıpınar becoming President and Türkay Peker serving as Vice President. In 1994, Türkiye became one of the founding members of the European Fair Play Union (EFPM), and Arıpınar was elected its Vice President. From this period onward, Türkiye not only advanced Fair Play culture nationally through its awards but also rose to a significant position within the international movement.

ARIPINAR’S INTERNATIONAL IMPACT

Erdoğan Arıpınar, the long-serving president of Turkish Fair Play, has elevated both Türkiye and TMOK to a distinguished place within the international Fair Play community. As a founding member of the European Fair Play Movement, Arıpınar has enabled nearly 100 Turkish athletes, clubs, and individuals to receive Fair Play awards through his work with the CIFP and EFPM.

Over the past 15 years, the commission under his leadership has received praise from international authorities for its Fair Play programs, particularly in the field of education. He also played a key role in establishing the Fair Play Museum at the TMOK Olympic House. Thanks to his expertise, Türkiye has become one of the most influential countries in the world in promoting Fair Play culture.

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