Newsletters
People with special needs from across Türkiye are taking part in rafting tours on the Melen River as part of the “Happiness Boat" project, a social initiative run by rafting companies in the province of Duzce.
The project offers participants the chance to socialize, build confidence, and enjoy the thrill of white-water rafting in a safe and welcoming environment.
The initiative was developed by nine rafting companies operating near the village of Dokuzdegirmen on the Melen River. These operators, unable to meet the year-round demand from people with special needs due to safety restrictions, teamed up with the village headman, Huseyin Tuncel, to create a dedicated project.
They decided to close their facilities to regular visitors on selected days of the year to host rafting tours exclusively for individuals with disabilities.
Named the “Happiness Boat,” the project was officially proposed to the Duzce Governorship, the Cumayeri District Governorate, and the Provincial Rafting Representative Office and received their full support.
Tours are held during calm periods on the Melen River, when the water flow is steady and the risk level is low. Participants with conditions such as Down syndrome, autism, hearing impairments, and various physical disabilities travel from different parts of Türkiye to join the experience. While paddling through the river, they also have the chance to socialize and experience the adrenaline of rafting.
Launched in 2024, this year marked the third time the tours were held under the program. Children and adults alike take part, with safety measures and support teams in place throughout.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), Huseyin Tuncel, who also operates one of the rafting facilities, emphasized the importance of the project.
“We welcome over a million guests annually, but these guests are truly special,” he said. “As in previous years, we hosted them again to raise awareness. The emotional value of these events is incredibly high. Making our special children and individuals happy means a lot to us. It brings us joy to host them in Duzce.”
Tuncel also extended his gratitude to the local authorities for backing the initiative and reaffirmed his commitment to continue supporting people with special needs through future editions of the project.
According to Birol Tepe, the Provincial Rafting Representative, the tours hold deeper significance beyond the activity itself. “Each trip is valuable,” he said, “but the ones we take with these special individuals carry a different meaning. Our goal is to give these young people an unforgettable day. A smile on their faces is worth more than anything. We want to bring happiness to them and their families through a meaningful and joyful tour.”
For families, the project offers more than just a day out. Havva Uzunkaya, who joined the event with her son Yunus Emre from Istanbul, expressed her appreciation for the organizers.
She noted that her son, who has Down syndrome, enjoys social interaction and found the experience very rewarding. “We know how to swim, but this is a completely different experience,” she said.
“It helps our children gain confidence. Instead of staying at home, joining such events is beneficial. As they grow up, it becomes even more important. He loves swimming, but this excitement is something else.”
Similarly, Emine Kacari, the mother of another participant named Gamze, said they felt both thrilled and happy to be part of the event.
For 50-year-old Nazire Sasmaz, the rafting trip was a personal challenge. Though her children were initially against the idea of her joining, she chose to participate and rowed a paddle herself to fully embrace the experience.
1 min read
