ISTANBUL, July 26 (Xinhua) -- With the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris opening on Friday, excitement is building within the Turkish delegation, highlighting not only the competition but also global themes of friendship and unity.
According to Veli Ozan Cakir, head of the Turkish delegation, the Games have a profound impact on Turkish athletes, fostering integration and deepening friendship across diverse cultures worldwide.
"People from all corners of the globe converge here," said Cakir who is also director general of Sports Services at the Youth and Sports Ministry in an online interview with Xinhua from Paris.
"A profound sense of integration permeates the village," he added, noting that athletes, whether seasoned or first-timers, undergo a transformative experience at the Olympic Village, uniting with individuals from every nation, continent, and culture.
"Therefore, the beautiful memories athletes accumulate here will enable them to return with positive impressions," Cakir noted.
Cakir also highlighted the warm reception extended to delegations from around the world by French people, volunteers and Olympic officials, showcasing exceptional hospitality.
All eyes are now on the opening ceremony of the Games, set to take place over the Seine River on Friday, he said.
"The uniqueness of this opening ceremony, compared to others, excites us greatly," he said. "For the first time, it will be held on the Seine River instead of inside the stadium. We are eagerly anticipating it. This will be a remarkable experience for all of us."
In Paris, Türkiye will be represented by a total of 102 athletes competing across 18 different sports disciplines for medals.
Table tennis player Sibel Altinkaya shared with Xinhua that their excitement began even before arriving in Paris, anticipating the realization of every athlete's career dream.
"The atmosphere here is truly remarkable," Altinkaya expressed. "We see the best athletes in the world and champions from every continent."
Altinkaya highlighted the warm camaraderie among athletes across all sports. "We cycle around the Olympic Village, exchanging pins and taking photos with each other. It's a genuinely pleasant environment."
Badminton player Neslihan Arin, who has been training in Paris with German and Belgian athletes, emphasized that everyone supports and motivates each other. "This sportsmanship is invaluable for athletic development," Arin told Xinhua.
Arin is also eagerly anticipating the captivating opening ceremony. "From the visuals I've seen, it looks like a fascinating environment awaits us. I hope we can fully experience and immerse ourselves in the moment," she said. ■
