The TRNC Anti-Drug Commission Organized Paragliding Flights for People in Rehabilitation

A social paragliding event was held in the area of Saint Hilarion Castle for people undergoing rehabilitation from drug addiction. The initiative was organized by the Northern Cyprus Anti-Drug Commission as part of a program to reintegrate former addicts into society. Participants took tandem flights with professional pilots Cemal Direkci, Özgür Gökaşan and Murat Mendeli, and also took part in team games in nature. Commission Chair Teyfide Teçel Hatipoğlu and staff from the department were personally present at the event.

The head of the Commission emphasized that social adaptation plays a key role alongside medical treatment. According to her, “addiction takes away people’s dreams and sense of freedom, and the recovery process is learning how to fly again.” Hatipoğlu also announced the launch of full-fledged free paragliding training under the guidance of Cemal Direkci. This project will become part of preventive work with at-risk youth and will aim to develop healthy habits, boost self-esteem and prevent destructive behavior. The participants themselves noted that the experience gave them more courage and provided strong psychological support in the recovery process.