Media Release
20 April 2007

The Gallipoli Tri-Nations Tournament Tradition is Born

In 1915, on the battle fields of Gallipoli, a special friendship between Australians, Turkish and New Zealanders was born. Building on this unique relationship, a sports committee has been established by Gallipoli Trade Gateway firm, under the auspices of the Turkish Consulate General in Sydney to plan biennial sporting tournaments between the three nations. The ‘Gallipoli Tri-Nations Tournament' will commence in 2008, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of Turkish migration to Australia and is endorsed by the RSL NSW.

Gallipoli Tri-Nations Sports Tournament 2008
In a first of its kind, the Tournament will include teams from Australia , Turkey and New Zealand competing in a number of sporting events. The inaugural event will be hosted in Australia in late 2008 and it is intended to continue as a biennial event rotating between the tri-nations, culminating in a final in 2015 in Turkiye which will mark the 100th anniversary of the start of WWI.

Turkish Oil Wrestling Competition
As part of the Gallipoli Tri-Nations Tournament in 2008, Oil Wrestling will provide an opportunity for Australian, Turkish and New Zealander's to compete in a traditional Turkish power sport.

Karamursel, a town in Turkiye historically known as “The Town of the Wrestlers”, is in the process of contacting high profile oil wrestlers in Turkiye and will prepare a list from which the participants will be selected to compete in a “Kirkpinar” style Oil Wrestling competition in Australia . The winner will receive a golden belt.

We will select three wrestlers each from Australia and New Zealand . They will be sent to Karamursel for two weeks of Oil Wrestling training in the lead up to the annual Karamursel Oil Wrestling competition in Turkiye on 4 th July 2008 . They will then compete in the inaugural Tri-Nations Tournament in 2008 in Australia . Gallipoli Trade Gateway is currently in the process of contacting the Australian and New Zealand Wrestling Federations to obtain nominations for three wrestlers from each. This is also open to general public who have an interest in participating in the tournament. Rugby players are especially encouraged to apply due to the similarities in wrestling and rugby training.

For a brief history of Turkish Oil Wrestling please visit: http://www.uaau.com.au/trade/trinations.html

Introducing the Rugby Ball to Turkey & Seeding of Turkey 's First National Rugby Teams
Most of Turkey 's neighbours already have established National Rugby Teams. Turkey 's entrance into this new sport is unavoidable. Of course, if Turkey wants to learn this game, they should learn it from the best of the best - Australia and New Zealand

Two high profile Rugby personalities from Australia and New Zealand will accompany the six wrestlers to Turkey in July 2008. During the festivities in Turkey the Rugby personalities will introduce the Rugby ball by demonstrating the game and coaching two teams for a friendly Touch Football match. The introduction of Australian and New Zealand style touch football to Turkey is intended to lead to the establishment of "Turkish National Rugby Teams" in the future.

A Global Community Event
The Tri-Nations Tournament is a Global Community Event. The committee is open to suggestions and encourages community involvement. The committee is also lobbying for other sports to be involved in the Tournament such as football and basketball.

ends