Messages for Youth and Sports Day, 19 May
On May 19th, 1919, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk landed in Samsun, on Turkey's Black Sea coast, aboard the steamship Bandırma. That landing is considered the start of the National Struggle, the movement that grew into the War of Independence and, in time, the founding of the Republic. Atatürk went on to dedicate the day to Turkey's youth. Today it's observed as the Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day, with sports displays in stadiums and schoolyards, ceremonies honoring Atatürk, and frequent readings of his Address to the Youth.
It's a good day to celebrate a young person's energy, goals or hard work on the field. The tips below help you open with a respectful nod to the day's history and then say something personal to the person you're writing to. The examples come in three tones, short and warm, heartfelt, and official, and the formal ones suit sports clubs, schools and companies. If you'd like to send more than words, the Wishwiff flag ceremony is described further down the page.
How do you write a message for Youth and Sports Day?
- Start with a brief reference to the day's history; mentioning the landing in Samsun or the start of the National Struggle is enough. Then add a personal wish for the young person you're writing to.
- Writing to an athlete? Mentioning their training, their team or an upcoming match makes the message theirs.
- For someone preparing for exams or starting a new job, you can connect the day to the idea of setting out with courage.
- Don't tie the day to current political debates; May 19th is about honoring Atatürk and celebrating young people.
- If you're writing for a club, school or company, spell out the full name: 19 May Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day.
Example messages
Copy the one you like and send it as it is, or change it into your own words.
Short and warm
Happy Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day!
Today belongs to young people with endless energy, like you. Happy holiday.
Happy May 19th. Never lose that energy. 🇹🇷
It's youth's holiday today, and I'm celebrating yours. Good luck on the field and off it.
Heartfelt
The hope in your eyes reminds me every year why this day was dedicated to young people.
Today I'm thinking about what it means to set out with courage. May your road be open too.
Watching you train so hard renews my hope for the future. Happy holiday.
Young people like you always lift my spirits. Happy May 19th.
Official / Corporate
Happy 19 May Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day. We wish all young people health and success.
On the anniversary of 19 May 1919, when the first step of the National Struggle was taken, we remember Mustafa Kemal Atatürk with respect and gratitude.
We celebrate Youth and Sports Day and wish our athletes and students a future full of achievement.
We honor Atatürk, who dedicated this day to young people, and celebrate the holiday with all our youth.
On Wishwiff
For May 19th, Wishwiff uses the Flag Raising template. The recipient opens the link and raises the flag themselves, a small echo of the ceremonies held in schoolyards and stadiums that morning. Once the flag is up, your message appears on screen. You can make separate celebrations for teammates, students or the young people in your family on the same day; just change the name and message for each. It feels more like a ceremony with the sound on.
Common questions
What does May 19th commemorate?
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's landing in Samsun on May 19th, 1919, which is considered the start of Turkey's National Struggle.
Why is the day dedicated to youth and sports?
Atatürk dedicated May 19th to Turkey's young people, so they're at the center of the celebrations. Schools and stadiums host sports displays, and his Address to the Youth is often read at ceremonies.
How do I make a May 19th celebration on Wishwiff?
Choose the Flag Raising template, type the recipient's name and yours, and write a message or use one of the suggestions. Send the link on WhatsApp and they open it without installing anything.
Can I see whether they opened my May 19th celebration?
Yes. Your private tracking page shows whether the link was opened, whether the flag was raised, and any thank-you emoji. Your May 19th celebration is permanently deleted after 7 days.