The kick-off meeting of the project, which aims to implement an inclusive and sustainable tennis model across Europe, increase accessibility to tennis for people with disabilities, youth, and disadvantaged groups, develop digitalization and eco-friendly club structures, and spread good practice examples from Türkiye to Europe, was held in Ankara.

“The project, focused on inclusivity, sustainability, and digitalization, was launched as a two-year journey”
In her opening speech at the meeting, TTF President Ms. Şafak Müderrisgil stated that they were stepping into a two-year journey:

"With your valuable participation, we will begin to fill in the framework that was drawn earlier. In principle, we are already a federation that works on a project basis. This is our first European Union (EU)/Erasmus+ project. Apart from this, we are involved in two more EU projects: 'Safe Tennis' and 'Benchmarking for Safeguarding and Sustainability.'

Returning to the Tennis For All project; it is based on three pillars: Inclusivity, sustainability, and digitalization. regarding inclusivity, ensuring access to tennis for youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, people with disabilities, and refugees is our primary goal. Another topic is sustainability. Ensuring ecological balance and reducing the carbon footprint through both facilities and other policies pursued appears as another important heading. Digitalization is now a sine qua non of our day, as you know. Especially the use of digital instruments, online trainings, or the use of AI-supported mobile applications gains importance within the framework of this project.

We possess every resource needed: A strong consortium, strong cooperation, a beautiful framework, our fund, and our intention to cooperate. I wish us a clear path. I would like to thank everyone who contributed here. Of course, the realization of such projects on both national and international platforms is only possible with such beautiful, colorful formations attended by stakeholders from every segment. That is why it is very, very valuable."

“The Turkish Tennis Federation is one of the federations standing out with its vision and active role in Erasmus+ Sports projects”
Ministry of Youth and Sports Head of International Projects Department Ms. Ümran Başar said:

"Erasmus+ Sport shows us that sports is not only a physical activity but also a strong carrier of inclusivity, equality, and European values. The Tennis For All project aims to make a branch like tennis, which is perceived to be limited to certain circles, accessible to everyone.

It is a source of pride for us that Türkiye is taking part in this project as an active partner. We hold Erasmus+ Sport information days for all federations, provincial directorates, and clubs. However, we see that some of our federations are one step ahead in this regard. The Tennis Federation is one of them. We can already see that they will sign their names to very successful works due to having a hard-working team and a visionary president. I hope for a productive, successful meeting where new ideas are born and the foundations of strong collaborations are laid. I thank all stakeholders who put effort into the project again. I believe that together we will carry the principle of 'Sports is for everyone' to wider masses."

Expressing their great happiness in including the federation in this project, TTF Secretary General Dr. Şeniz Parlakkılıç Büyükakgül stated that the biggest goal is to implement the outputs resulting from the project.

The partners of the "Tennis For All: Inclusive and Sustainable Development of Tennis in Europe" project include the Association for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and ICT (INNETICA) from Spain, Dunarea de Jos University from Romania, and Sakarya University of Applied Sciences.

The project's kick-off meeting will conclude tomorrow with sessions to be held on goals, the impact on stakeholders in Europe, and the roadmap.