You can find the details of recent event that I have attended as a representative of Albinism Association. I participated “Erasmus + sports event” between 6-8 March, which is orginised by Albinism Society of Spain ( ALBA ), on behalf of the Albinism Society Turkey. Before I give information about what was done in this event, let me give a brief information about the Erasmus + project.
Erasmus + is an organization that supports the European Union, especially young people in the European Union countries to come together and engage in sports / cultural activities. Some of you will remember “Erasmus” as the name of student exchange program, in particular achieving short-term as a chance to study in universities abroad from Turkey. Erasmus + is a similarly supported program. The Spanish Association applied to a sports project last year and got a budget for the activities after the approval of the project. One of the activities mentioned in this project application is the event held in Valencia, which I mentioned above. Of course, this project was supported by various meetings and studies before the event. With a questionnaire that we shared with you on the Facebook page of our association, asking what kind of sports people with albinism interested in different countries, It will be shared with the European Union and the relevant countries by evaluating what additional activities can be done to increase the sports effectiveness and will evaluated in the final report of this project.
In this context, between March 6-9, people with albinism and interested in sport, from various countries in Europe, came together in Valencia, had various sports activities, and had the chance to do sports and discuss together. I can briefly summarize the program as follows.
Presentation
After settling in the hotel on the evening of the first day, a presentation, with information about both the project and their work, was made by the ALBA team. After this presentation, we had a chance to visit Ana Yturralde ‘s photo exhibition. After a period of time with impressive photos of albinism youth, dinner in Spain with American Hamburger ?
Sports
Wall climbing : Climbing using hands and feet to a pre-prepared and specially arranged vertical wall system that requires concentration, strength and coordination skills. The success of people of all ages with albinism in this sport was very pleasing. Although it is a sport where visibility is also important, we encountered successful athletes. Obviously this was the first time for me, but I liked it very much because of my interest in this kind of sports. After those quarantine days are over and life begins to return to normal, I plan to deal more with this sport.
Tandem bicycle : Unlike the normal bicycle that you can ride alone, interpersonal coordination is very important in bicycle driving used by two people. In this activity, there was a person with albinism and a non-albinism person on each bike, and cycled on approximately 10 km of route. Although cycling is already a sport I have done with love, I also took the tandem bike for the first time. Riding in Valencia’s magnificent Turia Park was more enjoyable than sports . It is inevitable to be jealous of those in this city.
Spinning : This time a paced ride was held inside accompanied by a trainer. In this sport, strength and fitness are extremely important. Although I can not provide continuity to the individual sports in the gym, which is generally known as fitness, spinning was my most preferred activity in gyms.
Swimming : Probably one of the sports we are all familiar with. An activity was held together in the indoor swimming pool without competing. Since I did not prefer to get wet, I preferred to sip my drink at the cafe outside during this event ?
Bowling : It can be argued whether it is a sport but it is a sport where the sight meets the arm strength. If you have the talent, it is quite possible that you will be able to take the upper ranks by passing the non-albinism individuals. Unfortunately, although I took a tough competition for a long time, I moved to the second after Dutch team at the last minute.
Athletics: Amateur athletics sports were held on the tracks where Spain albinism championship will be held (cancelled due to the corona) 1 month later, accompanied by professional trainers. Various sports such as long jumping into the sandbox, obstacle race, shot put and javelin throwing, disc throwing, and short distance running were done together with individuals with and without albinism.
I am happy to be a part of TURKEY ASSOCIATION OF ALBINISM as taking part in organizing this event, the occasion to join our young people here. Therefore, our ties with other associations in Europe are getting stronger, far ahead of albinism awareness of our work in Turkey; in Europe and even in the world; this studies contributes in creating awareness of people with albinism in Turkey.
See you in new activities.