An acclaimed exhibition that explores the stories and faces of Europe and its most popular sport, football, was opened in İstanbul today with a ceremony with the participation of top sporting personalities.
The launch of the event which was realized with the partnership of UEFA, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) and İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality (Culture AG) is part of the events organized within the framework of Turkish city's year as European Capital of Culture. UEFA Vice-President Şenes Erzik, TFF President Mahmut Özgener, Mayor of İstanbul Kadir Topbaş, Senior Advisor to UEFA President Michel Platini, William Gaillard and İstanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency Chairman Şekib Avdagiç attended the opening ceremony.
"İstanbul is very famous worldwide as a football city" said Erzik who made the opening speech of the event. "The competition between the fans and passion for football is so hot that it reaches the deepest parts of the Bosphorus. The first edition of this exhibition was opened in Brussels five years ago, to mark the 50th year of UEFA's foundation (UEFA Jubilee). Now we want this exhibition to be seen in İstanbul where there are lots of football lovers." he continued.
Erzik emphasized there was a question mark at the exhibition's title and he explained: "We wanted to get the fans ask some questions to themselves. "What does football mean to us?" , How did the European football evolve in time?" "How did football change Europe?". This exhibition will tell Europe and we will find our own pieces inside."
TFF President Özgener underlined that visitors of the exhibition tells the story of European football's last 50 years. "The exhibition will be open until 30 April and you'll be able to see important matches, key players, as well as some valuables kits and objects belonging to Turkish clubs who competed at European club competitions in the past. Such exhibitions act as a tool to increase the love of football and rise the interest in football in countries. This exhibition is waiting for its visitors in one of the most centralized locations of İstanbul. You'll find very valuable memories inside." he said.
Making the last speech in the ceremony, Mayor of İstanbul Kadir Topbaş said İstanbul was rediscovering its own identity. "People are discovering it again and again. Our city whose history dates back to 8500 years ago, will be able to be presented thanks to being 2010 European Capital of Culture. As İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality, we are doing our utmost to contribute to activities. Today we opened the Only A Game? exhibition in İstanbul where lots of international events and congresses are organized and many important decisions were taken. We are extremely happy to do this. In this exhibition we'll find the opportunity to see the memories of football and maybe even remember our own memories" he added.
In the ceremony, visitors will be able to see some selection of prestigious artefacts, trophies and memorabilia such as UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League cups. In addition to this, they will be able take a look at the most valuable pieces from the museums of İstanbul's top three clubs Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray and Beşiktaş.
Football fans will be able to visit the exhibition every day except Monday between 10.00 - 22.00.
Source:TFF
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