First Lady: "81 Stars have become our source of pride!"

Launched under the aegis of First Lady Hayrünnisa Gül, the ceremony for the 81 Stars from 81 Provinces Project during which this year’s stars were introduced was held at the Çankaya Presidential Palace.

Delivering a speech at the meeting, the First Lady recalled that they had kept in touch via phone or e-mail with the 81 students since the previous gathering at the same hall. 

STARS ACCOMPANY THE FIRST LADY ON HER DOMESTIC VISITS

Noting that she has examined the files of all the student stars who welcome her on her domestic visits, the First Lady expressed her pride in each of them and underlined that she is doing her best to help them overcome any obstacles they may face. “They are our shining stars. They have proved to be so with what they have achieved in their school and sports activities for the past year in and out of the country.

“A MOTHER IS HAPPIEST WHEN SHE SEES HER CHILDREN SUCCESSFUL”

Insisting that the youth have themselves proved what great achievements they can obtain when they are given the opportunity, Mrs. Gül said “I, as their stand-in mother, congratulate each of our stars”

She further stated that they have not let down any who trust them and continued as follows: “My dear children! A mother is happiest when she sees her children successful. You have made us feel this happiness. I am proud of you all! I wholeheartedly believe that you will continue studying with the same resoluteness and will make us happy. Do not ever forget this: We will always be right beside all of you!

“OUR FAMILY IS GROWING EACH DAY”

Referring to the previous 81 Stars, the First Lady exclaimed: “I do not doubt that you will be as equally successful as your elder sisters and brothers, but I want you to give me your word: You will keep studying hard, you will aim for the sky,you will never relent and you will keep our flag flying at the top with your achievements in sports.”

Mentioning Atatürk’s saying: “I like the sportsman who is intelligent, agile as well as morally upright”, she wanted the youth to take these words as a guide and become a model for others.

“INVESTMENT IN THE YOUTH IS FOR A STRONGER TURKEY”

Pointing out that the investment in the youth is made for a stronger Turkey, the First Lady also claimed that as our youth have become worldwide successes, our Star and Crescent shine ever brighter.

She ended her speech with the following words: “I remember Atatürk, who presented the date of May 19 to our youth, and his comrade soldiers with gratitude and I celebrate this meaningful day with our youth.”

“WE ARE WAITING FOR GOOD NEWS FROM THE MINE”

In regards to the mine explosion in Zonguldak, a northern city of Turkey, the First Lady shared her sadness and said: “We are waiting for the good news to come from the mine. Our prayers are for them. I hope we will get the news from the rescue team that will bring Turkey relief.”

2010 STARS: “WE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!”

Şirin Yılmaz from Sinop also made a speech on behalf of the 2009 Stars at the ceremony. Declaring her inclusion in the project positively influenced her views on life in ways beyond her imagination, Şirin Yılmaz continued: “All of us have aims in life. This project has given us all hope. You can be sure of the fact that all these young students in this hall will reach their aims with the help of the people like you who make efforts for the development of Turkey. Every one of us will serve the country with the awareness of the responsibility for being a star.”

After the promotional clip of the 2020 Stars, Ümit Erkan Tunç, 11th grade student at Balıkesir Istanbulluoğlu Anatolian Teacher High School, who came third in the European Karate Championship and first in the Turkish Karate Championship, delivered a speech on behalf of this year’s stars. He revealed his pride to be one of the Stars for the year of 2010 and said he worked hard both in sports and school, adding: “We will not let those who trust us down!”

Among the attendants of the ceremony were the National Basketball Team Manager, Harun Erdenay; Galatasaray footballer, Ayhan Akman; billiards champ, Semih Saygıner; actor Şafak Sezer, singer Sinan Özen; representatives of the media and other invitees. Author Münir Sekman also made a speech on success.

The First Lady later had a photo with the 2010 Stars taken and chatted with the invitees during the reception.