Friendly match for charities
WOMEN footballers representing the rival Turkish Cypriot teams of Doğan Türk Birliği (DTB) and Türk Ocağı Limasol (TOL) came head-to-head at a charity match in a festivallike atmosphere last Saturday.
Among spectators at the game in Girne’s July 20 Stadium were “first lady” Meral Akıncı, Prime Minister Tufan Erhürman, Labour and Social Security Minister Zeki Çeler and town mayor Nidai Güngördü.
Stalls selling products from ice-cream to souvenirs, food and refreshments were set up and there was also a children’s parade, while players “fuelled up” for the match by tucking into a traditional meal of “magarına bulli” (chicken and pasta).
TOL emerged 4-3 victors and were presented with a “friendship trophy” by Mrs Akıncı, who drew attention to the event coinciding with May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day and praised the players for contributing to the spirit of the day.
Other speakers congratulated the two teams, with Dr Erhürman commenting that “eternal friendship” had been created between the two “arch-rival” teams, originally from the southern town of Limassol.
After the match, players and supporters continued the fun with a dinner at Alsancak’s Altınköy restaurant.
The occasion raised funds which will be divided between the Oncology Centre at Lefkoşa State Hospital, with the backing also of the Evkaf foundation, and Karaoğlanoğlu Primary School, which is being refurbished with support from Girne Municipality and the Özyalçın construction company. The day was the brainchild of Deniz Nasıfoğlu, 40, who was diagnosed with cancer 12 years ago. Thanking the approximately 30 sponsors, each presented with a plaque, she said: “How beautiful that we united and worked in solidarity to bring our social responsibility project to life with the aim of becoming a communal example.”
A bus trip from Girne to Limassol which had been scheduled to take place on Sunday has been postponed to tomorrow, when travellers will gather at Girne’s Wednesday Market site at 8.30am for a 9am departure, returning at 7pm. For more information or tickets call FTC Tour on 0548 888 9088.