Allianz Turkey launches a long-term initiative supporting and empowering girls to pursue success and equality in winter sports.
As part of its global commitment to the Olympic and Paralympic Movements, Allianz Turkey has introduced an inspiring initiative titled ‘We’ve Got Your Back’. The project, launched in Erzurum Palandöken, focuses on providing girls who have never seen snow or skied before with the tools, training, and support needed to pursue a professional path in winter sports—extending all the way to potential ski coaching.
This long-term effort aims not only to nurture future talent but also to reduce gender-based barriers in sports participation. Through collaboration with the Palandöken Ski and Snowboard Academy (PAKA), Allianz Turkey will offer nearly a decade of education and resources to selected participants, symbolizing strong faith in the potential of young women across the region.
During the pilot stage, thirty girls between the ages of 8 and 12 from Erzurum were chosen for introductory ski training. A multidisciplinary committee composed of professional coaches and national champions identified three participants displaying outstanding promise. These young athletes will now receive continuous guidance and full support through comprehensive training until they are ready for coaching certification.
Onur Kırcı, Deputy General Manager of Marketing and Digital Insurance at Allianz Turkey, emphasized that the project aligns with the company’s vision of social responsibility and gender equality. He highlighted how many girls, despite growing up in snow-rich regions, seldom have the chance to participate in winter sports. “We’ve Got Your Back”, he said, represents Allianz’s ongoing dedication to empowering those girls to realize their athletic dreams.
Prof. Dr. Fatih Kıyıcı, a founder of the PAKA Academy, detailed the selection process, noting that candidates were tested on performance measures such as agility, balance, and alertness. After weeks of theoretical and practical training, the three most successful girls earned the opportunity to continue with long-term professional development. The ultimate goal is to prepare them as future mentors for upcoming generations of female skiers, ensuring the sustainability of the program.
Allianz’s initiative is not limited to the new generation of skiers. The company also supports established national athletes who exemplify perseverance through adversity.
Alongside this new project, Allianz Turkey announced sponsorship of Ceren Reyhan Yıldırım, the national ski team captain and Balkan Champion known for her impressive international record. After experiencing a serious injury while preparing for the 2026 Winter Olympics, Yıldırım faced unexpected challenges. Allianz’s support aims to stand by her not only through victories but also during recovery and rehabilitation, extending assistance until the 2030 Winter Olympics.
Yıldırım expressed heartfelt gratitude, noting that the backing she received during such a difficult period renewed her motivation and confidence. Her story now serves as both encouragement and proof of Allianz’s message: genuine support extends beyond success into the moments that test resilience.
The ‘We’ve Got Your Back’ project and its participants will soon be featured in a documentary capturing the transformative journey of these young athletes. This production will join previous Allianz-supported films featuring national champions in archery, swimming, and taekwondo—showcasing how sports can drive inclusion and empowerment.
Through every effort, Allianz Turkey reaffirms its vision of being there not only when challenges arise but during every phase of growth. By investing in education, equality, and sporting aspirations, the company seeks to strengthen future generations both on and off the slopes.
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