Aytac Durak

2009 Wheelchair Basketball European Championship Adana

Adana that is constructed on a fertile land whose history goes back to thousands of years is a place where a lot of famous people of art and sports were raised. It is a great pleasure to host all of our guests joining European wheelchair basketball championship in that beautiful city.

The warm climate of Adana have influenced its people so Adana has always been a hospitable city of Mediterranean. I hope all sportsman and other represantatives from 12 countries joining this championship will leave with great, unforgettable memories and share them with their friends.

Besides development of Adana in the issue of reconstruction and city planning, As a mayor who has the honour of administring such a city for years, I support these sport activities in order to introduce our city in international arena, make our city a famous center in sports of disabled and also help new sportsman to be raised, and we will continue to support.

As you all know, 2008 Wheelchair Basketball European Championship that took place by the attendance of 12 countries and took the interest of Adana citizens was completed successfully and broke the record of being watched, although it took place in the hottest month, July. As metropolitan municipality of Adana we support this organisation. It is a great pleasure that Wheelchair Basketball European Championship, the biggest organisation of Europe will take place in Adana in October 5th to 15th. Adana will continue to be the center of big organisations.

In the presence of IWBF president Mr. Jan Berteling, I would like to thank all the executives of Internarional Wheelchair Basketball Federation who has helped the organisation to be done in our city.I also thank Physically Disabled Sport Federation that is responsible for the arrangement of championship, local organisation committee and all the volunteers and voluntary institutions that take part in this organisation.

I hope people of Adana will show great interest to this championship. I would like to say welcome to Adana to all the participant countries and wish them good luck.

Aytac Durak
The Mayor of Adana