A leather master is a champion in Altındağ... Altındağ Municipality Ulucanlar Semi-Open Prison Art Street hosts many valuable artists. One of these artists, Hakan Abakay (44), is also a national athlete... Abakay is a living proof that being disabled will not be an obstacle to any success... Abakay, a successful national athlete and leather master who has become Turkey and World champion many times in air rifle shooting, reminds everyone with his smiling face and commitment to life that the real obstacle is in perspective. Abakay, who won the bronze medal by placing third in the 10-meter air rifle men's (R1) category at the International WSPS Para Shooting Grand Prix tournament held last August in Novi Sad, Serbia, says, "I will never stop fighting for new successes." Abakay, who draws attention with his smiling face and dedication to life, is appreciated by everyone with his words: "Whoever does one job, I have to do 2 jobs and do it in the best way possible, so that I can break the prejudices... This is the disabled person, he cannot do a job perspective, my goal is to destroy it... Whoever looks at us like this should know that we can do anything, we can achieve everything." “I WON THE FIRST MEDAL FOR OUR COUNTRY IN THE R1 CATEGORY” Emphasizing that he has been interested in air rifles for 13 years, Abakay said, "I was introduced to air rifles thanks to a festival I attended in Giresun. From that day on, I could not leave this sport again, I did not want to leave it. I received great support from my environment. I compete in 2 categories, R1 and R3. I came first in Turkey 6 times in air rifles. In my opinion, the cornerstone of success is patience and perseverance... Not giving up, being patient and determined to achieve success in this branch of sports." "I have won the first medal for our country in the R1 category. For this reason, I am very proud and happy to have represented our country in international competitions. I felt so excited at the moment of the competition. I will work with all my strength to represent my country in the best places in the future. I believe that I will advance to the Olympics as long as my health and well-being allow it." “ULUCANLAR ART STREET IS LIKE A DOOR OPENING TO LIFE…” Abakay, who continues his leather works in his workshop on Ulucanlar Art Street, described his art journey with the following words: "I feel freer than ever at Art Street. When I come here, I forget that I am disabled. Dealing with leather helps me relax. If I do not enter into life, life will not accept me. Ulucanlar Art Street is like a door opening to life for me... This place is good for my soul. We also have a nice conversation with my friends in other workshops, everyone is respectful and tolerant towards each other... I am very happy to be a part of Ulucanlar Art Street." “THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO OUR PRESIDENT” Leather master and national athlete Abakay, Altındağ Mayor Dr. for his support. He expressed his gratitude to Veysel Tiryaki. Abakay said, "The hospitality, smiling face and warm-heartedness of our Mayor connected me even more to this place. I would like to thank our Mayor Veysel Tiryaki for allowing me to practice my art in Ulucanlar Art Street."