Sportsmen gather for int'l canoe festival in Antalya

Turkey's popular resort town Manavgat in southern Antalya province in hosting international canoeists for a 10-year festival for the second time. The International Titreyengöl Sorgun Dragon Cano Festival that kicked off last week started with a jet ski and fly board show.

The festival is being held at Titreyengöl, a protected natural lake within Sorgun Forest. On day one of the festival, canoeists held training sessions. Mayor Şükrü Sözen said that this year they are expecting a higher number of participants and added that 100 canoe teams will be competing in the festival contests.

"We are trying to encourage sports among the youth. I am also participating in the competitions," he said. The first day of the festival saw a number of local residents and guests attend.