Cycling Tour and National Team Match Viewing Bring Communities Together at Green Crescent

The 13th Traditional Green Crescent Cycling Tour was held simultaneously across Türkiye, bringing together thousands of participants in all 81 provinces to promote healthy living and raise awareness of addiction prevention.

Ahead of the cycling tour, participants gathered at Sepetçiler Kasrı, where they watched the Turkish National Football Team’s World Cup match against Australia on a large screen, in the presence of Assoc. Prof. Mehmet Dinç President of Green Crescent.

Major streets, squares, and public spaces across cities nationwide were filled with participants cycling to promote healthy living and raise awareness of addiction prevention. Bringing together people of all ages, the tour combined the spirit of a Sunday community event with Green Crescent’s longstanding commitment to addiction prevention, fostering greater public awareness and community engagement. Assoc. Prof. Mehmet Dinç, joined the Istanbul leg of the event.

In Istanbul, the tour started and concluded at Sepetçiler Kasrı, following a route through Karaköy, Beşiktaş, Balat, and Eyüpsultan. At the end of the event, 15 bicycles were awarded to participants through a raffle draw.

Since its launch in 2011, the Cycling Tour has highlighted the protective role of sport and active living in addiction prevention. Participants cycled in support of a healthier, more hopeful, and addiction-free future.

National Team Match Viewing and Cycling Tour Bring Communities Together at Green Crescent

Sepetçiler Kasrı, the headquarters of Green Crescent, also served as a gathering point for participants ahead of the cycling tour. Participants gathered to watch the Turkish National Football Team’s 2026 World Cup match against Australia on a large screen before setting off on the tour. Following the match, cyclists took to the streets of Istanbul, carrying forward a message of healthy living, addiction prevention, and national solidarity.

“Sport is one of our strongest tools in addiction prevention”

Assoc. Prof. Mehmet Dinç, President of Green Crescent, commented on the 13th Traditional Green Crescent Cycling Tour:

“We are delighted to see such strong participation in this year’s Cycling Tour. Nearly 3,000 people joined us today. We began the day by watching our national team’s opening World Cup match together. Although the result was not what we had hoped for, we remain optimistic about the matches ahead. We may have lost today’s match, but we remain determined to build a healthier future through addiction prevention.

Sport is one of our strongest tools in addiction prevention. By encouraging people to embrace sport, art, culture, music, and other positive values, we help create healthier lifestyles and stronger communities. Today’s event is one example of that commitment. We will continue to organize similar activities throughout the year, and we invite everyone to take part.”