About Us
Our Vision
Founded in 2016, SportsUnity is committed to achieving its vision of becoming a global platform that connects people worldwide through the power of sports. With the aim of uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds and skill levels, SportsUnity nurtures an environment where young minds from various disciplines come together through the beauty of sports.
Our Mission
At SportsUnity, we view sports as a unifying force that brings people together across various disciplines, promoting an active lifestyle. Our mission is not only to unite communities through the power of sports but also to provide volunteer opportunities for high school and university students in their professional and career journeys. We strive to encourage and support a healthy and active way of life while fostering connections among diverse communities.
Our Manifesto
SportsUnity represents a robust community of volunteers. With an amateur spirit and professional demeanor, thousands of members contribute to the country's sports. Friendship symbolizes the unity of volunteers who love their work and come together for success. SportsUnity is dedicated to promoting sports culture in Turkey and worldwide for young people from diverse backgrounds with a passion for sports. It prioritizes education, providing vocational and career support to volunteer participants. Sport Unity, managing organizations systematically, is an inclusive and well-equipped community. Adhering to a principle of continuous improvement, it actively supports national and international sports events.
Announcements
Wings for Life World Run
The 2024 Trisome Games will be held in Antalya, Turkey, from March 19 to 26, organized by the Turkish Special Athletes Federation. You can be part of this special sports event by volunteering. Apply now to be part of this unforgettable experience!
On May 5, 2024, in the eleventh year of the wings for life world run, participants from Turkey will once again come together in Istanbul for the world's largest running event with a beautiful purpose. The wings for life world run continues to unite runners and wheelchair users worldwide for a fun, unique format, and an engaging cause. The 2024 edition of the race will take place on Sunday, May 5.
Volunteer applications open on April 1, 2024!
Become a Volunteer
Past Projects
Vodafone 38th Istanbul Marathon
This year, the Vodafone 38th Istanbul Marathon, organized by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Sports Inc., was held with the slogan 'We run for the July 15 martyrs.' The marathon took place between two continents. We extend our gratitude to all the volunteers who participated.
Past Projects
Vodafone 39th Istanbul Marathon
The Vodafone 39th Istanbul Marathon, held under the slogan 'We run for the future of our children,' saw the participation of approximately 125,000 people, including 25,000 with chips. We express our gratitude to all the volunteers who contributed to this event.
Past Projects
Vodafone 40th Istanbul Marathon
The 40th Istanbul Marathon, organized between two continents under the slogan 'Run for Healthy Tomorrows' by Sports Istanbul, a subsidiary of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, concluded with records. The marathon, starting on the Asian side of Istanbul, culminated at Sultanahmet Square on the European side after crossing the 15th of July Martyrs' Bridge. We extend our gratitude to all the volunteers who participated.
Past Projects
Vodafone 41st Istanbul Marathon
The Vodafone 41st Istanbul Marathon, with the participation of approximately 140,000 people from 106 countries, was run successfully. In the 42-kilometer chip-timed run, around 4,000 participants took part, while the 15-kilometer run saw approximately 33,000 athletes. About 100,000 citizens participated in the 8-kilometer public run. The 15-kilometer course of the marathon earned the title of 'Turkey's most participated road race.' We extend our gratitude to all the dedicated volunteer team members who contributed.
Past Projects
31st Samsung Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race
The 31st Samsung Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race, which has been making significant contributions to the promotion of Turkey and Istanbul for 31 years and recognized as the 'Best Open Water Swimming Organization in the World,' concluded with the participation of a total of 2,400 swimmers from 59 countries in the 31st Samsung Bosphorus Intercontinental Swimming Race.
We congratulate all the volunteers who took part in the race, supported by over twenty public and civil society organizations, under the organization of the Turkish National Olympic Committee Bosphorus Commission.
Past Projects
32nd Samsung Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race Volunteer Selections
We congratulate all the volunteers who participated in and were accepted for the 32nd Samsung Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race volunteer selections.
Past Projects
32nd Samsung Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race
The race organized by the Turkish National Olympic Committee (TMOK), with the participation of 1,765 athletes, made a significant contribution to the promotion of sports in Istanbul. The event, held without spectators due to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, ensured safety through measures taken in accordance with the recommendations of national and international health organizations. We congratulate all the volunteers who successfully fulfilled their duties.
Past Projects
35th Samsung Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race
The 35th Samsung Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race, organized by the Turkish National Olympic Committee, has been successfully concluded. With the participation of 350 sports volunteers, the event was executed smoothly and efficiently. We extend our congratulations to all the volunteers who contributed to the success of this year's event.
Past Projects
Buyukada Night Run
Buyukada Night Run, aiming to transform Buyukada into a sports tourism destination and kick-started with the enthusiastic interest of sports enthusiasts, once again brought together sports enthusiasts in a vibrant night full of entertainment and sports. This special run, providing participants with the most memorable night run experience of the year, featured three different distances: 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon Course. We extend our thanks to all the volunteers who participated.
Past Projects
44th N Kolay Istanbul Marathon
The 44th N Kolay Istanbul Marathon, organized by Sports Istanbul Inc., brought together approximately 30,000 athletes from 102 different countries. This number reached 60,000 participants, including the public run. We congratulate all our volunteers.
Past Projects
B40 Youth City Representatives Summit
B40 Youth City Representatives Summit took place under the hosting of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. 200 young participants from member Balkan cities attended a series of workshops, sharing their ideas on the future they envision and the kind of city they dream to live in. We congratulate all the volunteers who participated.
Past Projects
Global Esports Games Istanbul 2022
Global Esports Games, the largest event of the Global Esports Federation, and whose first edition took place in Singapore in 2021, held its world finals in collaboration with Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality subsidiary Sports Istanbul, Turkey Esports Federation, and the Global Esports Federation, with contributions from BtcTurk. We express our gratitude to all the volunteer participants.
Past Projects
International Firefighters World Championship
The International Firefighters World Championship, where approximately 450 firefighters from 29 countries competed, took place in Istanbul, hosted by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Held at the Burhan Felek Athletics Stadium, the championship witnessed intense competition among female and male firefighters from all around the world. We extend our congratulations to all the volunteers who took part in the event.
Upcoming Events
Academy
Volunteer Team Ambassadors Training Program
Guided by our belief in lifelong learning, we conducted the Volunteer Team Ambassadors Training Program to establish a qualified and extensive volunteer team. This program aims to enable volunteers with diverse educational backgrounds, proficiency in foreign languages, and experience in various disciplines to serve as team ambassadors in international sports organizations.
In collaboration with the Yıldız Technical University Entrepreneurship Club, we organized an educational event where participants were informed about sports volunteering and received certified volunteer training. We extend our gratitude to all attendees for their contributions and congratulate our new team members on joining us.
News
At today's Entrepreneurship Day event hosted by the Yildiz Technical University Entrepreneurship Club, our founder, Miss Mihrap Kaplan, introduced SportsUnity to young enthusiasts. Kaplan emphasized SportsUnity's mission to unite individuals globally through sports, highlighting its role in fostering solidarity and collaboration among youth.
MUSTAFA KEMAL ATATÜRK
Atatürk, our father, who took significant steps for the development of sports in our country, continues to guide all athletes today with his words. “To be successful, the true nature and value of sports has to be understood by the whole nation. They must display sympathy and consider it as a patriotic service rather than providing all kinds of support.” 1926 (Atatürk’s B.NP. 106) the Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk emphasizes that success in sports can only be achieved when understood not only by athletes but by the entire nation. In this way, he places the secret of achieving real success in sports on the shoulders of the entire country.
With the statement 'The Republic requires strong and high-level guardians intellectually, scientifically, and physically,' Mustafa Kemal reminds us that sports and athletes are essential for the survival and development of the Republic of Turkey.
We celebrate our Victory Day on August 30th with enthusiasm, hoping for brighter and more athletic Victory Days ahead.
All kinds of sports activities must be considered as the main elements of the national education of the Turkish youth. 1937 (Atatürk’s K.A.N., P.32)
— Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK
Sports is not only considered as a superiority of physical capability. Perception, intelligence and morality assist it as well. The strong with less intelligence and comprehension can not cope with the less strong but with sufficient intelligence and comprehension. I like the sportsman who is intelligent, agile as well as morally upright.
— Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK
In Turkey's national and international sports arena, we come together as a team to promote and expand sports volunteering opportunities. United as a close-knit family fueled by solidarity, collaboration, and passion, we march towards a common goal. The positive feedback we receive validates our efforts and further motivates us. Each of us is dedicated to making Turkey a leader in sports volunteering.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all our colleagues who have contributed to our past projects. We are deeply grateful to the colleagues who have tirelessly supported our endeavors. In the future, we will continue to work with the same enthusiasm alongside our new partners.
Mihrap KAPLAN
Founder of sportSunıty
Our community is a group of volunteers who represent our country in the best possible way in national and international sports events.
Signing up for registration forms will only take a few minutes. You will be the first to know about events through WhatsApp and email notifications. Separate registration forms are released for each event, and applications are made to the organization affiliated with the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sports volunteering?
Volunteering in sports organizations is a process where individuals dedicate their time and effort to contribute to the success of national and international sports events. These individuals voluntarily take on roles and tasks without expecting any financial compensation, helping to fulfill the human resource needs of sports organizations.
What do sports volunteers do?
We manage communication and coordination among volunteers in national and international sports events held in Turkey. This includes tasks such as publishing volunteer recruitment announcements, evaluating applications, providing communication training for volunteers, and guiding them throughout the process.
How does the process of volunteering for sports events work?
For each event, there is a specific application form available. However, for events requiring a high number of volunteers, announcements are made on our website. Depending on the scale of the event, those who fill out the general announcement form are informed via email about the event. Applicants are initially evaluated online, and then contacted. Suitable candidates receive the official application form via email, and training sessions commence after task assignments are made. Throughout the event, team leaders are responsible for their respective teams.
What are the benefits of being a sports volunteer?
- Participating as a volunteer in sports events offers the opportunity to meet and interact with leading figures in your field, including athletes, coaches, and even international federation presidents. Your volunteer experiences listed on your resume will set you apart from other candidates in job applications, serving as a significant indicator of your passion and dedication. During your volunteer activities, you will meet and interact with many people from different areas of expertise, providing an excellent opportunity to network. Volunteering also offers valuable experience in teamwork.
- While you may not be the headline of the organization, knowing that you are part of the success of some great events will always be satisfying. Participating in different roles and tasks at each event provides a unique experience that contributes to your professional and career development. Volunteering helps boost your confidence and contributes to your entrepreneurial spirit. It provides a unique learning opportunity for high school and university students.
Who can apply to be a sports volunteer?
The participation requirements and participant profiles vary for each organization. Generally, anyone over the age of 16 with diverse backgrounds, not limited to sports, can participate. There are special task areas, and task distribution is based on individuals' talents and skills. Volunteers are given the opportunity to choose their preferred task location through the event application form.
Who can be a Volunteer Team Leader?
Those who have participated in the Volunteer Leadership program, volunteered in at least 5 different international sports events alongside sports volunteers, possess strong communication skills, and have demonstrated success in teamwork can serve as volunteer team leaders.
Can first-time volunteers be included in the program?
Our goal is to ensure that everyone experiences this unique opportunity. Efforts are made to help first-time volunteers adapt to the team quickly.
Which organizations do we support with our projects?
We support projects of organizations that conduct national and international sports events, including sports federations, municipalities, public institutions, private companies, non-governmental organizations, universities, etc. By providing support to these organizations, we contribute to their efforts.
What types of tasks are involved in the events where sports volunteers participate?
- Federation or Organization Executive Assistant
- Event operation support
- Support for Sponsorship Marketing Teams
- Support for Teams
- Support for Health Officials
- Media support
- Water Stations
- Start / Finish Area
- Welcome at Hotels and Airports
- Language services
- Promotion
- Coordination of Volunteer Center
- Guiding
- Accreditation
- Distribution of clothing
- Support for Sustainability and Recycling
- Guiding at venues
- On-field duties
- Logistic support
- Support for IDs
- Doping Control
connect wIth us
hello@sportsunity.org
hellosportsunity@gmail.com
Take a step for your dream, strengthen with sports, influence with volunteering; together stronger!💪❤️
our locatIons
Gümüssuyu Mahallesi No:13
Beyoglu/ ISTANBUL
Döseme Mahallesi, Kurtulus Caddesi No: 20 Seyhan/ ADANA