Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey. Ataturk carried out many reforms aimed at the independence and modernization of the Turkish nation. Among these reforms is the value it places on the importance of youth. Atatürk stated that youth are the future of the country and that it is important for them to develop in areas such as education and sports. For this reason, he went to Samsun on May 19, 1919 and started the Turkish War of Independence. May 19 is considered an important turning point in the Turkish youth's struggle for independence and freedom. Today, May 19, is celebrated as Youth and Sports Day in Turkey. This holiday is organized to emphasize the importance of youth and to encourage them to participate in sports. The value Atatürk gave to youth and the importance of May 19 are kept alive as a holiday celebrated with enthusiasm by young people every year.