STORY: Turkish delegation buzzes with excitement for global sports fest in Paris Olympics
SHOOTING TIME: July 26, 2024
DATELINE: July 28, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:02
LOCATION: Paris
CATEGORY: SPORTS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Paris
2. photos of 2024 Summer Olympics and Turkish delegation
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): VELI OZAN CAKIR, Head of Turkish delegation
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Turkish): SIBEL ALTINKAYA, Turkish table tennis player
5. SOUNDBITE 3 (Turkish): NESLIHAN YIGIT ARIN, Turkish badminton player

STORYLINE:

With the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris opening on Friday, excitement is building within the Turkish delegation, highlighting not only the competition but also global themes of friendship and unity.

According to Veli Ozan Cakir, head of the Turkish delegation, the Games have a profound impact on Turkish athletes, fostering integration and deepening friendship across diverse cultures worldwide.

"The beautiful memories athletes accumulate here will enable them to return with positive impressions," said Cakir, who is also director general of Sports Services at the Youth and Sports Ministry, in an online interview with Xinhua from Paris.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): VELI OZAN CAKIR, Head of Turkish delegation
"People from all corners of the globe converge here. A profound sense of integration permeates the village. Athletes, whether seasoned or first-timers, undergo a transformative experience at the Olympic Village, uniting with individuals from every nation, continent, and culture."

In Paris, Türkiye will be represented by a total of 102 athletes competing across 18 different sports disciplines for medals.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Turkish): SIBEL ALTINKAYA, Turkish table tennis player
"The atmosphere here is truly remarkable. We are experiencing some moments that every athlete would desire to live. We see the best athletes in the world and champions from every continent."

SOUNDBITE 3 (Turkish): NESLIHAN YIGIT ARIN, Turkish badminton player
"I have been training in Paris with German and Belgian athletes. Although we are competitors, everyone supports and motivates each other, trying to carry the other to an upper level. I think this sportsmanship is invaluable."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Paris.
(XHTV)