More than 100,000 people took part in the events, which included a fun run, in the cities of Balıkesir, Denizli, Eskişehir, İstanbul, Kocaeli, Konya, Mersin and Rize, which were sponsored by Samsung.

The events were organised by the National Olympic Committee of Turkey (NOCT) and supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sport.

Hasan Arat, the leader of the Istanbul 2020, claimed that the day's celebrations were a glimpse at the potential power of the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Istanbul to unite and inspire the country.

"Anyone who has been to a sports event in Turkey before will know that our people love their sport," he said.

"During the National Olympic Day celebrations, that enthusiasm gripped the entire nation.

"This weekend's buzz is just a taste of what the 2020 Games in Istanbul could inspire - just imagine athletes, sports fans and nations across the world celebrating the same way Turkey did on Sunday."


Every participant who International Olympic Committee completed the race was given a certificate signed by President, Jacques Rogge, and Uğur Erdener, the President of the NOCT.

"It has been incredible to see the passion that young people, in Istanbul and all across Turkey, feel for the Olympic Movement," said Erdener.

"To see Turkey united by a celebration of the values of Olympism shows the world that Turkey wants the 2020 Games - it is a huge boost for our bid."

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