International success from Kütahya Engelliler Umut Spor Kulübü

Kütahya Engelliler Umut Spor Kulübü achieved a great success by winning two medals at the 2026 World Abilitysport Youth Games held in Mersin. Despite participating in an international organization for the first time, the club achieved a significant success. This success became a source of pride for both Kütahya and Türkiye. The athletes won the medals by competing in the para dance sport category. Club President Hatice Yakar emphasized that this success was the result of disciplined work.

The games, organized by the Türkiye Dans Sporları Federasyonu and the Türkiye Paralimpik Komitesi Başkanlığı, were held in Mersin between June 15-22, 2026. Completed with the participation of athletes from many countries, the organization became an important platform for disabled athletes. Kütahya Engelliler Umut Spor Kulübü represented Kütahya and Türkiye at this major event. The club attracted attention by winning two medals in the para dance sport competitions. This success became even more meaningful because it was the club's first participation in the international arena.

Club President Hatice Yakar stated that they were proud to return with two medals from an international organization where they competed for the first time. Yakar expressed that they had achieved one of the most important successes in the club's history. "Returning from such a large and international organization, which we participated in for the first time, by bringing two medals to our city was an indescribable happiness for us," she said. The President emphasized that this success was a product of teamwork. In addition, she stated that the dedicated work of the athletes and coaches brought this result.

President Hatice Yakar thanked the athletes Hava Özkul, Yılmaz Teke and Ömer Talha Yürümez, who put in great effort in the achieved success, as well as the coach, board member and Bedensel Engelliler Federasyonu Kütahya İl Temsilcisi Ali Osman Altınay. Yakar emphasized that the success shown by the athletes on the international stage was the result of disciplined work. These athletes won the medals by exhibiting outstanding performances in para dance sport. The athletes, who prepared under the guidance of coach Ali Osman Altınay, went through a challenging preparation process. The President expressed that the sacrifices of the entire team made this success possible.

Hatice Yakar thanked all individuals and institutions who contributed, especially Kütahya Valisi Musa Işın, Kütahya Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Rektörü Prof. Dr. Ahmet Tekin and Gençlik ve Spor İl Müdürü Bülent Küçük, who supported the club's participation in the organization in Mersin. Yakar added that they would continue to overcome obstacles with the unifying power of art, culture, and sports in Kütahya, and to promote the achievements of individuals with special needs on international platforms. She stated that thanks to these supports, the club was able to make a mark on the international arena. She expressed her belief that similar successes will continue in the future.