Seda Sevin Helps Low-Income Children Achieve Success in Sports

On 28 October 2010 Sabancı Foundation's "Turkey's Changemakers" program hosts Seda Sevin, a physical education teacher in Kepez, Antalya. Seda Sevin has a dream, one that is not easily achieved: to increase the number of licensed sports players in Turkey by establishing a handball team.

Turkey is far behind in Europe when it comes to the number of licensed sports players. The number of licensed sports players is only 4% of total players whereas it is 30% in Germany and 25% in Italy. Of the 70 million people living in Turkey, only 20.000 are licensed players. However, in Denmark, which has a population of 5 million, there are 50.000 licensed players.

Within this context, Seda Sevin established a handball team to train young players. Coming from low-income families, the players use the school for training, Ms. Sevin's sister washes their muddy jerseys, and they stay at acquaintances' homes for away games.

Although conditions are harsh and resources are limited the team has had great success. Among the 13-14 age group, the team became the first in Turkey. Five of her players were selected for the national youth team and a 17-year-old player, started in the national team already. Seda Sevin made a difference in the lives of youth, their families, and their communities at large.