Imagine a city where sport is not only about competition but also about well-being, equality, and shared joy, where every citizen, regardless of age, gender, or ability, can access opportunities for active, healthy living. In Mersin, sports are a powerful tool for strengthening social cohesion, improving public health, and creating inclusive urban spaces.

Through projects such as the Babil Water Sports Center, the city brings citizens closer to the sea, encouraging physical activity while celebrating Mersin’s coastal identity. Innovative initiatives like Sporbüs remove barriers to access by delivering sports opportunities directly to neighbourhoods, ensuring that children and young people across the city can participate regardless of location or income level.

Preparation courses for Physical Aptitude Exams help young people achieve their educational and professional goals, while Youth Camps foster teamwork, leadership, and a strong connection to nature. Inclusive spaces such as the Barrier-Free Life Park Center ensure that individuals with disabilities can actively participate in sports and recreational life on equal terms, reinforcing the municipality’s commitment to accessibility and social inclusion. At the same time, Nature Parks promote outdoor activity, mental well-being, and a healthier relationship between urban life and the natural environment.

Together, these initiatives contribute to a more active, resilient, and inclusive city. They promote healthy lifestyles (SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being), advance gender equality and equal participation (SDG 5 – Gender Equality), reduce inequalities in access to sports and public services (SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities), and support sustainable, people-centred urban development (SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities).