urkish Volleyball claimed a much-coveted accolade at the International Mediterranean Excellence Awards, which were held for the second time this year in Rome. Organised by the Mediterranean Journalists Association, the Italian Union of Sports Writers (USSI), the European Association of Sports Writers (AIPS) and the Artemisia Foundation, the prestigious ceremony took place at the historic Valentini Palace in Italy’s capital and brought together famous personalities from the worlds of business, art, and sport from across the Mediterranean.
Mehmet Akif Üstündağ, President of the Turkish Volleyball Federation (TVF), Daniele Santarelli, head coach of the women’s national team of Türkiye, the reigning European champions, and Pelin Çelik, team manager of the same team, all attended the ceremony.
Mr Üstündağ and Mr Santarelli were awarded the International Mediterranean Excellence Award in recognition of their status as shining stars on the international volleyball stage. The award crowned their contributions to peace, friendship and culture, as well as their great achievements in the sport.
In his speech at the ceremony, Mr Üstündağ said: “As President of the Turkish Volleyball Federation, I would like to thank everyone on behalf of all my stakeholders for considering me worthy of this important award. I have always attached great importance to the Turkish-Italian friendship. This award is a great source of pride for us.”