The Problem:The need of alternative solution offerings for social improvements of unemployed young majority in Turkey.The Idea:Adding value to students’ physical, social developments by raising skilled, self-confident, healthy, rounded sportsmen by opening complimentary modern sports clubs with the aim of decreasing inequality in sports education in Turkish society.The Strategy:Offering young people support in infrastructure and training in many fields from basketball to badminton, from tennis to taekwondo in 22 branches in 81 provinces.

The Results:28,000 young sportsmen have been trained until now; 25 International. Approximately 200 national successes have been achieved in last year.

Türk Telekom has founded the Türk Telekom Sports Clubs to be operated by its employees where 82 Türk Telekom Provincial Directors became the presidents of the sports clubs, and employees made a financial contribution to the project by donating a portion of their wages.

Türk Telekom Provincial Directors also became the presidents of the sports clubs. In addition to the budget allocated by Türk Telekom for each club, employees also contributed with individual donations. Jersey and sports equipment supplies were sent to all clubs. The company fleet was used to take the sportsmen to competitions. An awards system was established for those sportsmen and clubs who entered the listings in competitions and tournaments.

It was aimed for young sportsmen to continue their activities for the long term in these clubs. Young sportsmen of outstanding talent and achievements were given the opportunity to represent the country in national teams.

28,000 young sportsmen were trained at Türk Telekom Sports Clubs in the last ten years. At the end of 2010, 5,438 sportsmen in 22 branches from basketball to fencing, from track and field to tennis were supported in various provinces. In 2010, these sportsmen have achieved 25 international, and approximately 200 national successes just in one year.There have been hundreds of young players and athletes who have succeeded in being elected to the national team and represented the country abroad, and who became a source of pride with the various places they have achieved in competitions.

As of 2010, 48 sportsmen from Türk Telekom Sports Clubs made the national teams and took part in international competitions some of which decided to go to sports academies. Thus, a significant job opportunity has been offered to these young people, who have gained an opportunity for a career at these schools.