The PalanExtreme 2026 Organization, held under the auspices of the Ministry of Interior, coordinated by the Erzurum Governorship, and with Erzurum Technical University (ETU) among its stakeholders, began with an opening ceremony held in the Cat district.
The organization, realized in cooperation with ETU, Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality, Ataturk University, and Erzurum Adventure Off-Road Nature Sports Club, aims to enable young people to discover their talents, improve their physical endurance, and strengthen team spirit in an environment where they are close to nature, and where competition and solidarity are emphasized.
This year, PalanExtreme 2026, implemented with the slogan "Turkey Without Terrorism," is designed as a comprehensive social responsibility project that highlights the natural beauty of Erzurum and promotes outdoor sports.
The event, designed on a special route covering five districts, will start from Cat and continue along the Tekman, Hinis, Karacoban, and Karayazi route. This route, based on camping and caravan tourism, also aims to highlight the region's potential for outdoor sports.
As part of the project, teams from sports science faculties of universities will participate in competitions in six-person teams accompanied by technical coaches. Teams consisting of four competitors, one coach, and one assistant will participate in both training and competition in Erzurum. A four-day preparation and training program will also be implemented for participants before the event.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Erzurum Governor Aydin Barus emphasized that PalanExtreme has become an important brand value that reveals Erzurum's potential for natural sports, stating that young people engaging in sports in harmony with nature is of great importance for both individual development and the promotion of the city.
ETU Rector Prof. Dr. Bulent Cakmak stated that ETU's participation as a stakeholder in such projects is part of the university's mission of social contribution, adding that bringing young people together with outdoor sports significantly contributes to both sports culture and awareness levels.
Corporate Communications and Promotion Directorate, June 22, 2026
