Vatan Oz/London, April 5 (AVA) – Bilal Erdoğan, president of the Dünya Etnospor Birliği, was honored with an international plaque by the Italian Sports Press Union in recognition of his efforts to preserve and promote traditional sports and cultural heritage on a global scale. The award, presented during the 8th Etnospor Forum in Antalya, highlights growing international recognition of initiatives aimed at safeguarding ancestral sports as a vehicle for cultural continuity and intercultural dialogue. The plaque was awarded during the 8th Etnospor Forum held in Antalya, an event that brought together participants from multiple countries to discuss the preservation, revitalization, and transmission of traditional sports to future generations.
According to a formal message delivered on behalf of USSI President Gianfranco Coppola, Erdoğan’s work was described as extending beyond sport, encompassing a broader cultural mission that connects heritage with universal values. Coppola emphasized that in an increasingly globalized world, traditional sports play a key role in maintaining societies’ links to their past, preserving rituals, lifestyles, and collective memory.
The message further underlined that initiatives such as Etnospor contribute not only to the sporting landscape but also to strengthening intercultural understanding and reinforcing shared human values. Coppola, who was unable to attend the forum due to official commitments, expressed support for the event and voiced confidence that future projects under the “Ethnosports 2027” vision would further expand international cooperation.
Loading...
The plaque was formally presented to Bilal Erdoğan, president of the Dünya Etnospor Birliği, on Coppola’s behalf by Dündar Kesaplı.
The plaque was formally presented on Coppola’s behalf by Dündar Kesaplı, who has roles in international relations within the Italian Sports Press Union.
Organizers and participants at the Antalya forum framed the gathering as more than a sporting event, describing it as a platform where culture, identity, and heritage intersect. Traditional sports were highlighted as instruments not only of physical activity but also of cultural expression and continuity, with proponents arguing they can serve as bridges between generations and across societies.
The recognition comes amid broader efforts by cultural and sports organizations to elevate traditional and indigenous sports onto the international stage, positioning them alongside mainstream sporting disciplines while preserving their distinct historical and social significance.
Dündar Keşaplı is a Turkish journalist and international sports media figure who has been based in Italy for many years. He works as a correspondent for TRT Spor and A Spor, covering sports and cultural topics. Keşaplı is recognized for his efforts in fostering intercultural communication, building bridges between Mediterranean and European communities, and promoting dialogue through media. He has also been honored for his contributions to cultural and sports communication, highlighting his role in strengthening understanding between institutions, journalists, and societies.