Near East Enterprises' Schools brought together hundreds of students and parents at NEU Event Park on the Near East University Campus for a day filled with respect to Atatürk, competition, and high motivation for its annual "Respect to Atatürk Road Race". The second annual "Respect to Atatürk Road Race" organized by the Near East Primary School Sports Branch Organizing Committee, turned into a vibrant gathering. The event, held in memory of the great leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, was held at NEU Event Park on the Near East University Campus with a large turnout.
Students and parents from Near East Primary School, Near East Yeniboğaziçi Primary School, Dr. Suat Günsel Kyrenia Primary School, and Near East College, Dr. Suat Günsel Kyrenia College, and Near East Yeniboğaziçi College participated in the event, creating a meaningful atmosphere of solidarity where students, parents, and teachers shared a common sentiment.
Following a moment of silence and the singing of the National Anthem, the races began at 10:30 a.m. at NEU Event Park. Students born in 2019 and 2018 competed on the 400-meter track, while students born in 2017, 2016, and 2015 competed on the 800-meter track. Students born in 2014, 2013, and 2012, along with their parents who placed in the overall standings, added excitement to the event by competing on the 1000-meter track.
All runs were evaluated separately in the girls' and boys' categories. At the end of the day, all participants received commemorative medals, and trophies were presented to the top three students and parents in each category. Throughout the event, children and their families enjoyed performances by DJ Ece Kanmaz, enjoying both the memory of Atatürk and the joy of sharing the unifying spirit of sports.
The Fastest Steps of the Day!
The winners of the Respect to Atatürk Road Race were announced in all age categories. In the 400-meter track, where students born in 2019 competed, Yaz Edizer took first place in the girls' category, and Kuzey Kutup in the boys' category. In the track, where students born in 2018 raced, Cemre Günsel Haskasap took first place in the girls' category, and Ali Keya Sözöz in the boys' category. In the 800-meter track, where students born in 2017 competed, Mia Ulu finished first in the girls' 800 meters and Arel Özsoy in the boys' 800 meters race. Hacer Sarıoğlu, born in 2016, won the girls' 800 meters, and Güner Arnavutoğlu, born in 2016, won the boys' 800 meters race. Selin Mannaş, born in 2015, took first place in the girls' 800 meters, and Aleksey Chuvakin, born in 2015, took first place in the boys' 800 meters. Alya Öğmen, born in 2012-2013-2014, won the girls' 1000 meters, and Ben Louis, born in the same age group, won the boys' 1000 meters. Gönül Özkan, born in the mothers' 1000 meters, and Ali Kayral, racing in the fathers' 1000 meters, finished first.
The winning students received their trophies from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cemre Günsel Haskasap, a member of the Near East Enterprises Board of Trustees; Enver Haskasap, Chairman of the Near East Bank Board of Directors; Fatma Coşar, Principal of Near East Primary School; and Dr. Suat Günsel Primary School Principal Canan Gürkan; Near East Yeniboğaziçi Primary School Principal Esen Bahadır and Near East Primary School Vice Principal Aytekin Zekai.
Fatma Coşar, Principal of Near East Primary School, which organized the Respect to Atatürk Road Race, made a statement about the event. Coşar stated that the Respect to Atatürk Road Race was not just a sporting event, and said, "We have reinforced our children's love and gratitude for Atatürk through the enthusiastic and unifying atmosphere of sports." Fatma Coşar said, "As the Near East Enterprises, we see it as our duty to carry this awareness to future generations. I believe that each of our students running here today will carry this feeling in their hearts for the rest of their lives. I thank all our schools, teachers, parents, and students who contributed to this meaningful event."
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cemre Günsel Haskasap: "I wholeheartedly thank all the participants who joined us on this meaningful day and our students who increased our pride by placing."
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cemre Günsel Haskasap, a member of the Near East Enterprises Board of Trustees, stated that Near East Enteprises' Schools attach great importance to raising their students with a love for Atatürk, a culture of sports, and an awareness of competing gently. She said, “The fact that the Respect to Atatürk Road Race is held with greater enthusiasm each year is the strongest indicator that our families and students have internalized these values. I thank everyone who contributed to this meaningful gathering.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haskasap noted that the Respect to Atatürk Road Race, held on the Near East University Campus and NEU Event Park this year, was a truly festive event. She said, “Besides the enthusiasm of our students, it also created a wonderful bonding environment among our families and teachers. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the participants who joined us on this meaningful day and to our students who increased our pride.”
2025 Atatürk Respect Road Run Winners
