Istanbul’s Nomination Accepted with Applause

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu spoke at the 53rd General Assembly of the European Olympic Committees in Bucharest, the capital of Romania. Imamoğlu said, “We will take the biggest step towards this goal by organizing the Istanbul 2027 European Games in an Olympic quality” and added, “Istanbul is located at the crossroads of east and west, at the meeting point of all humanity and all cultures, at the center of the world. We are the most suitable host for the Olympic spirit and philosophy that aims to unite the whole world around sports. With the Istanbul 2027 European Games, we want to carry this spirit first to Europe and then to the whole world. Istanbulites are looking forward to welcoming you all. Let’s experience all the excitement of sports and the colorful images that will emerge with the coming together of countless cultures. We are ready for a better, more beautiful, bigger and more colorful European Games.” After İmamoğlu’s speech, Istanbul’s candidacy for the European Games was put to the vote and was accepted with minutes of standing ovation.