Turkish municipalities launch children's summer sports and cultural programs

Balıkesir’s Youth and Sport Directorate opened the provincial Traditional Children’s Games Festival, drawing 43,050 students from 470 schools across 20 districts to compete in classic games such as Mendil Kapmaca and Kaleli Yakan Top.

Elazığ Municipality announced free summer arts courses starting 10 June, offering instruction in music, folk dance, and a newly created youth choir for school‑age participants.

Meram and Darıca city councils began registrations for their Yaz Spor Okulları (summer sport schools). Meram’s program, open to children aged 5‑15, charges a 1,750 TL fee and provides sports kits, covering 13 disciplines from volleyball to wushu. Darıca offers the same 13‑sport curriculum free of charge, with online registration closing 30 June.

In Ankara’s Yenimahalle district, a children’s festival featured games, VR stations and performances, while the mayor highlighted recent investments in new kindergartens and free tutoring centers.

Together, these initiatives illustrate a nationwide push by local authorities to provide free or low‑cost extracurricular activities that promote physical health, cultural heritage, and social development for Turkey’s youth this summer.