‘Greek Cypriots fail to get flying event cancelled’

FORTY international model glider pilots are competing at Geçitkale this weekend, despite alleged Greek Cypriot attempts to have the timedduration flying event cancelled.

The Mustafa Vehbi Koç F3J and F5J Geçitkale Cup 2018 is organised by the TRNC Air Sports Federation — also behind a paragliding world cup event at Tatlısu in February, following which South Cyprus objections led air sport’s world body, the FAI, to say it would not recognise the results.

The glider event took off on Thursday with a glamorous opening ceremony and banquet in central Lefkoşa, at which guests were entertained by TV singing show winner Lütfiye Özipek.

TRNC Air Sports Federation president Zeki Ziya said: “There are a total of 40 sportsmen taking part from 10 different countries in this fantastic event that will bring colour and action to the skies above Geçitkale airport.

“However we are deeply disappointed that the Greek Cypriot side has gone all out in trying to prevent the TRNC Air Sports Federation from participating in international sports tournaments. It is a disgrace that [their] mentality . . . is tuned to completely eradicating us as Turkish Cypriots.”

Geçitkale Mayor Hasan Öztaş said they were delighted and “very honoured” to host the competition which would “bring a festival spirit to the village”.

The Geçitkale Cup has been staged as an international event since its inception in 2001, and has this year been named after renowned Turkish businessman Mustafa Koç, who sponsors the sport’s TRNC national team.

The competition’s website, Gecitkalecup.com, said the event attracted considerable international interest, as the first such contest of the season.

Flying began yesterday with the F5J contest and continues with F3J action between 8am and 6pm today and from 8am tomorrow. Final “fly-off” rounds take place between 2pm and 4pm tomorrow, with an awards ceremony due at 5pm.