Commemoration of Atatürk and Peace Run started
The soil brought from the garden of the house where Atatürk was born in Thessaloniki will be transported to Anıtkabir-Ankara by the athletes.
As part of the Commemoration of Atatürk and Peace Run, the soil taken from the garden of the house where Atatürk was born in Thessaloniki was brought to Türkiye through the İpsala Border Gate.
A ceremony was held at the border gate for the 34th time this year in cooperation with the Turkish Consulate General in Thessaloniki, Turkish Athletics Federation, Istanbul Masters Athletics Club and Western Thrace Turks Solidarity Association.
Speaking at the ceremony that started with a moment of silence and the singing of the National Anthem of Türkiye, İpsala District Governor Ömer Sevgili said that each step of the race, which has been organized for many years, has different meaning.
Thanking those who contributed to the organization, Governor Sevgili said:
"It is very valuable that the soil taken from the garden of the house where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was born is wrapped in the Turkish flag. It is one of the most effective methods of explaining the respect shown to Atatürk from the youth. It is very valuable to bring the soil taken here under the coordination of our Consulate General and transport it 737 kilometers in the company of our valuable athletes."
Sevgili emphasized that Ipsala is a bridge of hearts with Western Thrace and that they are always with their compatriots.
Türkiye's Consul General to Komotini, Aykut Unal, expressed that he is happy and proud to be a part of the organization.
Reminding that Atatürk went to Samsun on May 19, 1919 despite all the negativities, Ünal said: "May 19 was a gift to the youth. The responsibility for this is great. The Republic of Türkiye, which was founded with martyrs, is entrusted to the youth. To protect this trust, to deliver it to better points and to unshakably work for future generations is youths duty. Letting go is the primary duty of young people."
After the speeches, plaques were given to those who contributed to the organization.
With the start of the organization by District Governor Sevgili, the athletes who will bring the sail to Anıtkabir started running.
Within the scope of the organization, the soil brought from the garden of the house where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was born will be delivered by the athletes to the Anıtkabir in Ankara, Command via the route of İpsala, Tekirdağ, İstanbul, Kocaeli, Sakarya, Düzce, Bolu and Ankara.
