SPORTSMEN FROM 30 COUNTRIES SWAM IN THE MEDITERRANEAN
Athletes from nearly 30 countries competed in the X-WATERS Antalya International Water Sports Festival in Antalya, vying for top honors. The 5-kilometer course was started by Metropolitan Mayor Muhittin Böcek.
The X-WATERS Antalya International Water Sports Festival, an international open water swimming competition, was held in Antalya. The event, which is on the Turkish Swimming Federation calendar, was held under the coordination of the Antalya Governorship and hosted by the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality. The race was started by Antalya Metropolitan Mayor Muhittin Böcek and Deputy Governor Tahsin Aksu. Mayor Böcek wished the athletes success before the race and stated that they would continue to support sports and athletes.
NEARLY A THOUSAND ATHLETES FROM 30 COUNTRIES
X-WATERS Antalya Race Organizer Onur Şentürk stated that there was great interest in the races, saying, "We have been organizing X-WATERS races in Turkey for 2 years. We held the first one in Alanya last year. This year we moved it to Antalya. Nearly a thousand athletes from about 30 countries are competing. We are hosting about 2,000 visitors, including the athletes' families. This organization makes significant contributions to Antalya's sports tourism and the extension of the season."
Emphasizing that the races appeal to different age groups, Şentürk said, "There are 4 different courses for adults. There is a 5-kilometer race, a 1 nautical mile long race, individual and team races, and a 500-meter beginner course. There are also categories for young people and children. A swimming license is required to participate in these categories."
As a result of the 5-kilometer race started by Mayor Böcek, Ekaterina Sokolova (37) took first place in the women's category, while Aleksandr Kaluzhskii (39) was the winner of the men's category.
