The Milliyet Sportsman of the Year Awards, a stalwart in Turkish sport for decades, returned this year under the new title sponsorship of AXA Sigorta. The ceremony was a vivid showcase of how sport binds communities, honors perseverance, and celebrates stories of triumph that resonate beyond the field of play.
AXA Sigorta’s mission, grounded in the idea of protecting what matters for the advancement of humanity, mirrors the organization’s long-standing heritage of more than 70 years. This partnership transcends traditional sponsorship, serving as a tangible expression of sport’s capacity to drive social good, inspire generations, and cultivate lasting success. Bringing together athletes, clubs, and enthusiasts from diverse disciplines under one roof, the collaboration once again demonstrated sport’s unifying power and reflected AXA Sigorta’s enduring vision in this arena.
During the ceremony, the room was filled with notable figures from sports, business, and the arts as the year’s standout names and teams were recognized. AXA Sigorta CEO Yavuz Ölken spoke while presenting the “Team of the Year” award, emphasizing a philosophy that transcends competition: sport is a powerful symbol of solidarity, determination, and shared values. He highlighted that there is no magic—only teamwork—and reiterated the company’s duty to foster inspiring success stories for younger generations, acknowledging that sustainable achievement grows from collective purpose.
In addition, Onur Koçkar, Head of Legal, Compliance and Corporate Responsibility at AXA Sigorta, presented the “AXA Sigorta Sustainability Special Award” to Bengisu Avcı, a national ultra-marathon swimmer and coach. This recognition underscored sport as a field shaped by environmental and social responsibility, aligning with AXA Sigorta’s commitment to safeguarding the future of sport and reinforcing its sustainability-focused approach.
Not Just One Day, But Every Day AXA Sigorta’s approach to sport spans years of ongoing initiatives. Through the “Partnership of Values” with the Turkish Volleyball Federation, active since 2018, the company supports Turkish volleyball’s growth from the national teams to grassroots programs, reinforcing volleyball’s role in strengthening social cohesion across Turkey. This broad support helps nurture talent at all levels, ensuring a sustainable path for athletes and the broader sport ecosystem.
Beyond volleyball, AXA Sigorta backs national athletes across individual disciplines, standing with competitors on their journeys toward international success. This multi-layered support—covering grassroots foundations to elite stage—enables young athletes to reach their potential while reinforcing a resilient, value-driven sports landscape.
AXA Sigorta continues to protect both present achievements and future possibilities, creating social value through initiatives in sport, the arts, and sustainability. Guided by the belief in sport’s unifying power, the company remains devoted to fostering a stronger, more inclusive society where sports stories uplift communities nationwide.
