Belgian official praises İstanbul as model for public exercise equipment

Following Istanbul's example, Brussels will be installing sports and exercise equipment in public parks for use by the general public, said Emir Kir, secretary of state for the Brussels-Capital Region responsible for city planning and public cleanliness, yesterday. Kir, the son of Turkish immigrants to Brussels, cited Istanbul as a model for giving people a way to exercise without having to pay for the service. "A healthy life depends on participation in sports," he explained. "And people should get into the habit from an early age, which can only happen if there are means available in public places. Thus, we will increase our investment in and ensure that more people benefit from sports equipment" in public parks. "What we want to do here is foster an athletic society," Kir explained.