Bringing the traditional sled sport to tourism

In this study, the current situation of traditional sled (boat) sport as a cultural element living in Küre and Ağlı districts of Kastamonu province and the views of sports managers and sledge racers about bringing it to tourism were examined. The aim of the study is to examine the traditional sled sport as a culture, to reveal its current situation and to evaluate the traditional sled sport in terms of tourism. Its sub-purpose is to contribute to the promotion of traditional sledge as part of winter sports at the international level and its participation in the Olympics. In the formation of the theoretical part of the study carried out in Küre and Ağlı districts, the data obtained from the literature review and the observations and examinations of sports activities were used. Afterwards, the applied part of the study was carried out. Using the semi-structured interview form developed by the researcher for the application, interviews were conducted with the traditional sports branches federation delegates and traditional sled athletes in the districts. The data collected in the study were analyzed and interpreted with descriptive and content analysis techniques in the NVIVO (v1.51) verbal data analysis program. When the findings of the study were examined, it was seen that the traditional sledge, which is one of the winter sports, is currently officially recognized by the Traditional Sports Federation, the competitions related to this sport are held, the sports managers and the athletes (except for two athletes) agree on the development of the traditional sled culture and bringing it to tourism. In addition, the athletes also stated that it is important to bring the traditional sledge to winter sports tourism, and in this context, the use of local clothes in the races will contribute to the transfer of the culture of the region.