Erdogan hosts fast-breaking meal for Turkish athletes

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday hosted a fast-breaking meal at the Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul for Turkish athletes going to the London 2012 Olympics. Speaking at the meal, Erdogan said that a record number of Turkish athletes were to participate in the London Olympics. Erdogan also stated that the success he hopes will be achieved in the 2012 Olympics would contribute to Istanbul's bid to host the 2020 Games. “Competing for your country and your nation in London, you'll open the gates, unlocking the doors of 2020 at the same time,” Erdogan said. Erdogan also unveiled the logo of the Istanbul 2020 campaign showing the iconic buildings of Istanbul, namely, Galata Tower, the Maiden's Tower and the Hagia Sophia inside a tulip. In order to further support our athletes, Erdogan will travel to London next week, where he will also meet International Olympics Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge. During his visit, Erdogan will be accompanied by Youth and Sports Minister Suat Kilic, Turkey’s National Olympic Committee Deputy Chairman Hasan Arat, General Director of Sport Mehmet Baykan, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Kadir Topbas and officials from the Housing Development Administration of Turkey (TOKI), as well as Hidayet Turkoglu, captain of the Turkish National Basketball Team.