National Down Syndrome Table Tennis Team Eyes Gold

By Janet Ekstract ISTANBUL- Gearing up for the Trisome Games in Antalya, in comes the Turkish national Down Syndrome table tennis team. The team, coached by Fatma Yutuk and Kemal Yaskafa consist of five female squad and five male squad members who trained at Ankara University who hosted their camp. The squad of ten have been through rigorous training camps in different provinces under guidance from the Turkish Special Athletes Sports Federation. The team has had past success in world and European championships in special Olympics competition. Both coaches are proud of their team and declare they’re ready to vie for all the medals at the Trisome Games. There will be 48 athletes from 13 countries competing while Ensar Kurt, vice president of the Turkish Special Athletes Sports Federation, will host the 2024 Trisome Games in Antalya. Participation from over 800 athletes from 32 countries makes this year’s competition extra special for the Turkish teamIn Antalya, athletes such as Melih Işık, Mehmet Yasin Bayraktar, Ecrin Ercan, Hale Cansu Öge, Salihcan Öztankal, Zeynep Tuncer, Erman Çetiner, Merve Peker, Benay Balcı and Taygun Arı will be vying for medals.