Besiktas Fans Throw Toys on Field for Children Affected by Earthquake

Fans throw toys onto the pitch during the Turkish Super League soccer match between Besiktas and Antalyaspor at the Vodafone stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye, Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023. (AP)
Fans throw toys onto the pitch during the Turkish Super League soccer match between Besiktas and Antalyaspor at the Vodafone stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye, Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023. (AP)
TT

Besiktas Fans Throw Toys on Field for Children Affected by Earthquake

Fans throw toys onto the pitch during the Turkish Super League soccer match between Besiktas and Antalyaspor at the Vodafone stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye, Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023. (AP)
Fans throw toys onto the pitch during the Turkish Super League soccer match between Besiktas and Antalyaspor at the Vodafone stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye, Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023. (AP)

Besiktas fans threw thousands of stuffed toys onto the pitch during Sunday's match against Antalyaspor to donate to children impacted by the earthquake in Türkiye and neighboring Syria.

The Turkish Super Lig game, which ended 0-0, was paused after 4 minutes and 17 seconds to allow fans to throw the gifts onto the pitch. The earthquake first struck Türkiye at 0417 local time on Feb. 6.

"Our fans threw scarves, berets and plush toys on the ground of Vodafone Park to be given as a gift to the children in the earthquake region to cheer them up," Besiktas said in a club statement.

The death toll from the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria has crossed 50,000. Ghana winger Christian Atsu was among the victims, having been found dead on Feb. 18 under the building where he lived in southern Türkiye.



Jeddah Hosts 'DRIFT 25' International Equestrian Show Championship

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
TT

Jeddah Hosts 'DRIFT 25' International Equestrian Show Championship

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat

Jeddah will host the "DRIFT 25" DRIFT International Equestrian Show 2025 under the supervision of the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation (FAEF) and Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), with the participation of top champions from around the world and the Kingdom.

The event will last three weeks, from January 15 until February 1, 2025, SPA reported.
The championship, part of Jeddah's event calendar, will feature exciting daily race rounds. Winners across various age categories will receive huge financial prizes exceeding SAR1 million.
The event will feature 25 international professional judges, world-class veterinarians, and special participation from global course designer Mario Breccia in the three-star category.
Riders from more than 15 countries, including Italy, the Czech Republic, and Canada, as well as top riders from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries, will compete. The event is expected to feature over 150 riders, including 25 world champions, and more than 500 horses.