Holiday camp offers fun and relaxation for people with disabilities

Opening in the northern Samsun province two years ago, a holiday camp with disabled facilities is an ideal place for people with special needs, where they can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and a clean beach. Sitting on 10,000 square meters, the Mavi Işıklar Training, Resting and Rehabilitation Camp in the city's Doğu Park recreational area was established by the metropolitan municipality with investments of TL 7 million ($2.47 million). The facility has a 2,200 square-meter indoor area, an accommodation center with a 34-bed capacity, a large restaurant, cafe, resting areas and a beach. A special elevator system is also available in the swimming pool. Attracting people with disabilities from both Samsun and other cities, the holiday camp offers double rooms, allowing special needs guests to stay with a companion. Upon request, guests are taken from home by camp cars.

Necmi Çamaş, the manager of the Metropolitan Municipality Culture and Social Affairs Department, said that the city's current population is 1.3 million, among which there are almost 150,000 people with disabilities or chronic diseases. "The facility offers rehabilitation, relaxation and holiday experiences all together. The swimming pool will remain open until the end of September. Disabled people should benefit from all opportunities that are offered to healthy citizens as their social adaptation is highly important," Çamaş said, adding that the center is open for all interested guests from around Turkey. "The smiles on their faces are important for us. It is therefore necessary to take steps that will facilitate their lives," he stressed. Bedriye Yazgan, 67, a retired teacher has taken her heavily disabled son Vahit Sonay Yazgan, 41, to the camp regularly. "My son became disabled after he suffered meningitis when he was one-month old. I have been taking care of my son for years. They take us from our home. He enjoys swimming and expert caretakers help us," Yazgan said. "My son did not know how to swim, but they helped him and we benefit from every opportunity they offer," she continued, wishing that all Turkish cities could have a place like this one.

Another guest, Dilek Yağmur, 38, said that she came from Ankara for her summer holiday. "I heard about the facility last year and booked a room. It was great. This year, I came with two of my friends," said Yağmur, who is physically disabled. "The camp is unique in Turkey. They offer three-course meals. Everything is considered for people with disabilities. The center has a 5-star hotel concept. I hope similar centers will open up in Turkey in the near future," she said.