Mersin, Türkiye, once again took centre stage for international Para sport as athletes, officials and delegates gathered for the opening of the 2026 World Abilitysport Youth Games last night (17th June).

The vibrant Opening Ceremony celebrated the power of sport to unite people across nations, setting the stage for four upcoming days of competition in Para badminton, Para dance sport and Para fencing.

The Games, hosted by NPC Türkiye in partnership with World Abilitysport builds on the success of the inaugural World Abilitysport Beach Games, which were held in Mersin in October 2025.

The Opening Ceremony provided a spectacular start to the Games, beginning with an energetic performance from dance troupe Money Heist, whose vibrant display set the tone for the celebrations to come.

Athletes, officials and guests were greeted by Dr Murat Aksu, President of NPC Türkiye and Vice President of World Abilitysport who addressed the audience welcoming the participating teams and officials to Mersin and wished every athlete success in their upcoming competitions.

During the ceremony, Dr Aksu also presented awards on behalf of World Abilitysport to Göksun Öz, Mersin Provincial Director of Youth and Sports and Bünyamin Gökayaz, Mersin Metropolitan Municipality Youth and Sports Services Director in recognition of the city of Mersin’s outstanding contributions to international Para sport. The honours celebrated Mersin’s commitment to inclusive sport through its hosting of the first-ever World Abilitysport Beach Games in October 2025 and its continued support of the next generation of Para athletes through this year’s Games.

One of the ceremony’s most colourful moments then followed as the flags of the competing nations were proudly marched into the arena to celebrations from the onlooking teams.

The focus then shifted to the Oath Ceremony, where representatives from each sport  pledged their commitment to fair play, respect and sporting excellence. Taking part in the ceremony were Para Badminton Technical Delegate Han Van Der Vliet, Para Dance Sport coach Hong Kong China’s Evina Wai King Wong, and Turkish Para fencer Hakan Akkaya, who spoke on behalf of all competing athletes.

The evening concluded with a memorable performance from Turkish Para table tennis player and award-winning pianist, Furkan Eymen Yıldızçelik and a celebratory film that brought the Ceremony to a fitting and inspiring close.

Looking ahead, NPC Türkiye will complete a remarkable trilogy of World Abilitysport Games when it hosts the 2027 World Abilitysport Games in Samsun, Türkiye, continuing its commitment to creating world-class opportunities for athletes with physical impairments around the world.

Results from the 2026 World Abilitysport Youth Games can be found here.