The third leg of the Turkish Rafting Championship held in Çatak district of Van has started.
180 athletes from 9 provinces are participating in the championship held in Çatak Stream in cooperation with the Turkish Canoe Federation, Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports and Çatak District Governorate.
The championship in Çatak Stream, which has one of the longest tracks in Türkiye and attracts the attention of rafting enthusiasts, will end on July 18.
Turkish Canoe Federation Rafting General Coordinator Gürkan Köse told the AA reporter that the races took place in suitable weather and water conditions.
Stating that the athletes had an exciting experience, Köse said:
"We are here with a total of 250 people, including 33 teams, 180 athletes, administrators, coaches and the referee committee. We are organizing our organization in this region, which stands out with its natural beauties. Çatak is a very convenient district in terms of water resources, geographical structure and logistics facilities. Very serious organizations can be held here. An organization is organized here every few years. Requests also come from different provinces and districts. We are trying to give this opportunity to Çatak and organize organizations here as much as we can."
Muhammet Yusuf, one of the athletes from Muğla, said, "We came third in the men's under-19 category in the first stage and the competition continues. We will make up for it in the second round. The track is beautiful and the water flow is suitable for the athletes. We aim to return to Muğla in first place." he said.
Stating that they enjoyed rafting in hot weather, Fatma Özçelik said, "We are competing with our team for the third leg of the Turkish Rafting Championship. Our goal is to get first place. We liked the course very much, the water is not wavy. We also loved Van." he said.