The World Boating Day 2026 event, hosted by GİSBİR, brought together the maritime world while showcasing impressive stories of exploration, resilience, and human will. AVS Global Ship Supply & Catering Management and Ekol Maritime Training Center supported the participation of speakers Ali Rıza Bilal and Bahadır İşseven, contributing to the organization.

Ali Rıza Bilal, a national athlete known as the 'Conqueror of the Poles,' shared excerpts from his treks in Antarctica and Greenland during his presentation at the event, conveying his experiences from these challenging expeditions to the participants. His 933-kilometer trek, completed as the first Turk to reach the South Pole in Antarctica, along with the subsequent crossing of Greenland, highlighted the critical importance of not only physical endurance but also strong mental preparation.

In their presentations, Ali Rıza Bilal and ultra-endurance athlete Bahadır İşseven also shared their goal of rowing across the Atlantic Ocean, one of the world's toughest challenges. During this arduous journey, which will last for days, the athletes will face giant waves, harsh weather conditions, sleep deprivation, and continuous physical exertion. This goal also carries the motivation to wave the Turkish flag in the international arena.

After the event, the athletes met with students at the Ekol Maritime Training Center, where they presented the same talk to young sailors. During the presentation, students' questions were answered, and this interactive meeting garnered significant interest. At the end of the program, plaques were presented to the athletes by Ekol Maritime General Manager Serdar Öztuna.

Additionally, on behalf of GİSBİR, signed books were gifted by Ali Rıza Bilal to Nurettin Çalışkan and Ekol Maritime Board Chairman Abdülvahit Şimşek.

AVS Global and Ekol Maritime continue to support such organizations that contribute to the development of the maritime sector and promote the sharing of knowledge and experience. Both institutions are committed to actively participating not only in operational areas but also in social and educational projects that will add value to the future of the sector.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye