2011 WU Update: FISU and WU Flag Fly on Mount Agri

ERZURUM – A team of mountaineers climbed Mount Agri, one of Europe’s highest peaks and most challenging course to plant the FISU and 2011 Winter Universiades flags on its top.

A group of 80 climbers from 16 countries – with among them Kenan Sebin, the Director of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2011 Winter Universiade in Erzurum, Turkey – successfully mastered the 5,165 m mountain after three days of tough climbing.

Climbers Will Meet Again At Erzurum 2011

Kenan Şebin who made a statement said that ‘It was my first time climbing at Ağrı Mountain. My aim was to raise awareness of 2011 WU. I have also informed the climbers about the venues. We have decided to meet back again during the games. I was really happy with their interests. Lastly I’d like to thank on behalf of the 2011 General Coordination the President of the Mountaineering Federation of Turkey Alaattin Karaca and his team, as well as photographer İmran Uzun and health officer Erkan Okanli.

Mount Agri 

Rising up to a height of 5,165 m, Mount Agri, situated in Eastern Anatolia, is the main peak of Turkey. This snowcapped volcano is the famous biblical Mount Ararat, the legendary site of the second beginning of the world. It is believed that Noah’s ark came to rest in the mountains of Eastern Turkey, and the wide plain of Igdir at the foot of the mountain is the first place where Noah set foot after the disaster. A geological hollow near Uzungil village has the shape allegedly of the ark, and it is a place often visited by tourists, being also a beautiful resting spot. Mount Ararat, besides offering magnificent scenery, also provides opportunities for hunting, skiing and mountaineering.

(Source: 2011 WU Media Dept.)