Istanbul 2020 Boosted as World Bank Praises Turkey’s Economy

An official from the World Bank has praised Turkey’s economic performance since the economic crisis boosting Istanbul’s 2020 bid.

A senior Istanbul 2020 delegation travelled to the 15^th IOC Sport for All Conference eager to share their vision for a Games that would catalyse a huge rise in mass sport participation, particularly among the Turkey’s 31 million people under the age of 25.

According to Martin Raiser, the country director for Turkey at the World Bank, who was speaking in Washington this week, Turkey has been performing wonderfully since the latest global economic crisis. Raiser predicted that the country is likely to reach high-income status within the next three years because of its young demographic. His comments are in line with Istanbul 2020’s promise to deliver sports facilities with a sustainable legacy function and major long-term impacts.

Raiser was speaking at an event organized by the Turkish Industry & Business Association (TÜSİAD), Koç University and the Economic Research Foundation (ERF) where he highlighted that the significant investment in infrastructure and public services has energised Turkey’s substantial economic growth. “Social inclusion is increasing in Turkey mainly thanks to the spread of economic activities.” he said. 

Speaking from the Sport For All Congress, Hasan Arat, Chairman of Istanbul 2020, said: “This is a welcome endorsement from the World Bank in that it supports the message that we are explaining to the Olympic Movement. Turkey’s financial strength ensures that Istanbul 2020 is in a position to deliver a technically excellent Games which will realise the potential of Turkey and the surrounding region’s young people. The government is investing $2.5 billion in 693 sports facilities and 25 new stadia as well as $500 million annually into sports participation and development programmes, regardless of whether Istanbul are awarded the Games. This investment will engage the entire nation, making sport more accessible to Turkey’s 31 million young people under the age of 25.”

IOC member and President of the National Olympic Committee of Turkey, Ugur Erdener, added: “The huge investment into sports infrastructure will benefit all levels of sport participation in Turkey. The National Olympic Training Centre, which is being built this year regardless of the bid outcome, will serve as both an elite and recreational sport resource. The Olympic City will serve 600,000 people as a “live, work, play” community. These world-class facilities will create a generation of opportunities for the region’s young people to participate in sport from grass roots, through to elite level.”