Rescue workers and volunteers conduct search and rescue operations in the rubble of a collapsed building, in Diyarbakir on Feb 6, 2023, after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the country's south-east. (PHOTO / AFP)

GENEVA - The Winter Gymnasiade 2023 in Erzurum, Türkiye has been canceled due to the recent earthquake, the International School Sport Federation (ISF) and Türkiye Ministry of Youth and Sports made the announcement.

"Following the devastating earthquake that struck on Monday morning in Türkiye, we are announcing the cancelation of the ISF Winter Gymnasiade 2023 scheduled from the 11th to 19th February in Erzurum," said the ISF statement late on Monday.

Hamza Yerlikaya, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of Türkiye, said in a letter to ISF that "ISF Winter Gymnasiade Erzurum 2023 has been canceled because of the force major situation in our country due to the huge and sorrowful earthquake disasters happening at 04:17 and 13:24 on Feb 6 in 2023."

"On behalf of the whole ISF family, we would like to express our deepest sympathies for the people of Türkiye during this difficult time. Our thoughts and our support are with the victims, their families and all the people of Türkiye recovering from this traumatic event," ISF said.

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"The ISF, wishes to express its full solidarity with the Turkish people and hopes that they will be able to overcome this difficult ordeal with great patience, determination and courage."