Kayseri Becomes the 2029 World Sports Capital
Under the leadership of Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Memduh Büyükkılıç, a comprehensive presentation was delivered to the delegation of the European Capitals and Cities of Sport Federation (ACES) as part of Kayseri’s candidacy for the 2029 World Sports Capital. The presentation highlighted the city’s sports infrastructure, vision, and organizational strength, followed by an official launch event.
Kayseri has successfully completed another important phase in its journey to elevate its international sports experience to a higher level with the goal of becoming the 2029 World Sports Capital. As part of the candidacy process led by Mayor Büyükkılıç, the city’s sports potential was presented in a multidimensional way to the ACES delegation.
A City Strengthened by International Achievements
Kayseri, declared the “European City of Sport” for 2024 by ACES Europe, operating under the European Parliament, was also awarded the “Golden Flag” in the same year. In 2025, Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality received the title of “Most Active Municipality.”
The Process Began in Tallinn
Following the European City of Sport title in 2025, Mayor Büyükkılıç took the vision one step further by personally submitting the official application for the “World Sports Capital” candidacy in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.
A Planned and Multi-Stakeholder Governance Model
The candidacy process has been carried out in a disciplined and multi-stakeholder structure. The application in Tallinn marked the beginning of the international phase, while the Strategy Workshop held on February 3, 2026, established a strong local foundation for the process.
Comprehensive Presentation to the ACES Delegation
On Friday, April 17, as part of the candidacy, Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality Sports Inc. delivered a detailed presentation to the ACES delegation. The presentation emphasized that Kayseri is fully prepared for this title, highlighting infrastructure, facilities, and sports culture. A press launch event was also held later that evening.
The launch, organized in a banquet and ballroom hall, was attended by Kayseri Governor Gökmen Çiçek, Mayor Dr. Memduh Büyükkılıç, AK Party Kayseri Deputy S. Bayar Özsoy, the Director General of Sports Services of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the President of the Turkish National Olympic Committee, ACES Turkey Founding and Honorary Delegation President Prof. Dr. Veli Ozan Çakır, ACES President Gian Francesco Lupattelli, ACES Secretary General Hugo Alonso Castanon, national athlete Yusuf Dikeç, protocol members, ACES delegation members, and local and national media representatives.
“Kayseri Truly Deserves This”
Mayor Büyükkılıç thanked all contributors and emphasized the importance of unity in preparing the city for this goal. He expressed pride in hosting national athlete Yusuf Dikeç and stated that Kayseri truly deserves to become the World Sports Capital.
Strong Support and Investments
Mayor Büyükkılıç also thanked President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak for their support in sports investments, emphasizing unity and collaboration.
Governor Gökmen Çiçek highlighted the city’s strong desire to achieve this title, noting that ACES President Lupattelli’s statement—“99.5% Kayseri is the 2029 World Sports Capital”—was a significant indication of success.
“Sports Are the Key to Saving Youth”
Governor Çiçek stressed that sports are essential for guiding youth positively and noted that crime rates among young people in Kayseri decreased by 16% in 2026 thanks to sports investments.
“Kayseri Is Fully Prepared”
Prof. Dr. Veli Ozan Çakır emphasized that Kayseri’s presentation was one of the best ever seen and praised the city’s readiness and planning.
ACES President Gian Francesco Lupattelli stated that Kayseri delivered the best presentation among nine candidate countries and congratulated all contributors.
“99.5% Kayseri Is the 2029 World Sports Capital”
Lupattelli’s statement created great excitement in the hall, signaling strong confidence in Kayseri’s candidacy.
ACES Secretary General Hugo Alonso Castanon highlighted that Kayseri is rapidly progressing toward becoming the World Sports Capital and praised the city’s increased investments and accessibility to sports.
A Symbolic Commitment
A symbolic signing ceremony was held during the event, where Mayor Büyükkılıç signed a panel reading, “I also sign for Kayseri to become the World Sports Capital.”
Strong Infrastructure and Vision
Kayseri continues its determined efforts toward the 2029 goal with strong infrastructure, international achievements, and a well-planned management approach.
The presentation showcased key strengths including:
Population of 1.46 million
Over 70,000 university students
Accommodation capacity of 9,231
428 registered sports clubs
Over 155 major events in 3 years
More than 1.5 million participants
23,971 licensed athletes
€61.25 million sports budget for 2029
Erciyes: A Key Highlight
One of the most prominent elements was Erciyes Ski Resort, one of Turkey’s largest and Europe’s most notable ski centers, featuring:
26 million m² area
112 km of slopes
41 tracks
19 mechanical facilities
154 snow machines
Capacity of 26,750 people per hour
Over 3 million visitors in the 2025–2026 season
Additionally, the Erciyes High Altitude Camp Center stood out with FIFA-standard football fields, an Olympic swimming pool, and modern sports facilities.
A Compact and Accessible City
Another key advantage highlighted was Kayseri’s compact city model, where all major sports facilities can be reached within 15 minutes.
Investment and Future Planning
?288.9 million invested in sports over the past 3 years
?1.2 billion planned investment for 2026–2028
5% of municipal budget allocated to sports in 2029
The presentation concluded with the strong message:
“Kayseri is ready, Türkiye is ready. We fully believe in becoming the 2029 World Sports Capital.”
The launch ended with a group photo session.
