Mustafa V. Koc Sports Award Honors Recipients for the 10th Time

The Mustafa V. Koc Sports Award has found its recipients for the 10th time this year. The honorees are wrestler Nesrin Bas, Paralympic swimmer Umut Unlu, and Mehmet Akif Ustundag, who stands out for his contributions to Turkish volleyball. The awards were given in recognition of sporting achievements as well as determination, resolve, and contributions to Turkish sport.

The ceremony, organized by Koc Holding in cooperation with the Turkish National Olympic Committee, was held on October 21 at Divan Kurucesme. Jury Chair Caroline N. Koc said the award honors not only medals but also the character behind success. TMOK President Prof. Dr. Veli Ozan Cakir noted that the award is founded on the principles of respect, excellence, and friendship.

Nesrin Bas said she wants to inspire young girls who pursue their dreams and hopes the award will give them hope. Umut Unlu emphasized the importance of bringing disabled individuals together with sport and stressed that it is more valuable when one success opens the way for others.

Ustundag described the award as a shared achievement of everyone who has devoted themselves to Turkish volleyball. He said true success is not limited to trophies and gains meaning through building lasting structures that open the way for future generations.

Members of the Koc family and group executives attended the ceremony, along with Istanbul Governor Davut Gul and TMPK President Dr. Murat Aksu.