This year, representatives of three continents gathered at the festival. Around 1,800 various sports events were held during the festival, including table tennis, running and badminton events, as well as mini-football, beach volleyball and basketball championships. Besides, competitions were held not only in Istanbul, but also in other Turkish cities - in Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, Adana, Antalya, and Samsun. I would like to especially mention the women's soccer team from Hatay Province (Turkey), as well as athletes with disabilities, who participated in the competition for the first time.

- The festival turned out to be really great, everything was organized to the highest standards, all conditions for athletes were provided, said Sergey Drobidontov. - But what I remember most of all is its unbelievably friendly vibe. Everyone played and the players backed each other up. It was clear that many teams from other countries were supporting us, and we were also supporting other competitors.

The Beko & IHP soccer team has already represented the company many times at the Koç Group International Sports Festival, and for the volleyball team this season was its second one. Besides, this year's team was changed a lot - new players of different levels came and mostly experienced in playing on the court, not on the beach sand. That is why we had to get ready for the festival well in advance. The management of the Beko plant agreed with the administration of the Kirzhach College of Technology and Service, and the volleyball players were provided with a gym for their training sessions.

The team headed to the festival in cheerful, competitive spirit and aiming to achieve or improve the last year's result. The volleyball championship was held in accordance with the conventional system: all participants were divided into two groups of four teams by the draw. At the first stage, all teams play with each other within their groups, and the 1st and 2nd places in the group will be determined on the basis of their points scored. In the semifinals and finals, teams ranked 1st and 2nd in their group compete for gold, silver and bronze medals.

- We came to the conclusion that during the match we should put aside all unnecessary emotions and nervousness, they only get in the way. You need to play calmly and enjoy the whole process. Then, hits and rebounds get much better,” said Alexander Rudelev.

Despite the fact that the Russian national team had to play with very worthy and rather difficult opponents, our volleyball players were able to take 2nd place in their group and reach the semifinals. The Beko & IHP team was a bit behind the Greek team and the FORD OTOSAN team and finished the competition just a step away from victory, rated the 4th place. This is a serious reason to come back to the festival next year and get to one of the awards!

– Participation in the championship showed that our teams have a very good potential, and regular training will help to fully unleash it, – explained Georgy Berulava. – The guys in the team were enthusiastic, charged to win, and all they need is to gain a little experience and improve their teamwork. Now we plan to get ready more thoroughly for the next festival, we will try to better think out the game tactics and we will fight in the final for the 1-2nd place.