The earthquake victims' faces were filled with smiles at the "Let the Youth Be Happy, Let Hopes Not Fade" event.

Children affected by the Malatya earthquake rode horses, played chess, table tennis, and foosball as part of the "Let the Young Be Happy, Let Hopes Not Fade" event.

Orhan Yoldaş | 07.06.2023 - Updated: 08.06.2023

Photo: Orhan Yoldaş/AA

Speaking at the event held at the Horse and Equestrian Sports Application and Research Center on the Battalgazi campus of Malatya Turgut Özal University, Battalgazi Mayor Osman Güder stated that the devastating effects of the earthquakes that occurred on February 6th negatively affected people of all ages.

Güder, noting that the earthquake negatively impacted children more than adults, said, "We organized this event to help our youth recover from negative mental health. We organized the program to bring joy to young people so they don't lose hope and can look to the future with confidence. We need to prepare the young people we entrust our future to for the future."

Turgut Özal University President Prof. Dr. Recep Bentli stated that the program will last approximately three months, saying, "We will be holding a number of sporting activities here, such as horseback riding, football, and basketball."

After the speeches, earthquake-affected children who attended the event rode horses and played chess, table tennis and foosball.