Özcan Çamyar

Athlete, Business adviser, Business mentor, Designer, Educator/Teacher, Entrepreneur, Event planner, Idea generator, Parent, Philanthropist, Project manager, Social entrepreneur, World traveler

Born and rooted in Ünye, I work at the intersection of sport, civil society, and local development. I believe real change starts from small towns, strong communities, and people who dare to take responsibility. From European Union projects to grassroots sports initiatives, I focus on building sustainable structures that empower people—especially women and youth—to believe in their own potential.

Challenging taboos, amplifying local voices, and creating spaces where ideas, courage, and community come together to shape a better future.

Sustainable development is not possible without strong local actors. When sport, civil society, and community spirit come together, they don’t just change individuals—they transform entire cities.

My TED journey is deeply connected to my belief in local impact. While big cities often dominate the narrative, I wanted to show that powerful ideas can also rise from coastal towns and rural regions. Through TEDx initiatives, my aim is to amplify local voices, highlight women’s achievements in sport, and spark conversations on sustainability, climate awareness, and social innovation. TEDx is not just an event for me—it’s a platform to inspire people to reimagine the future of their own city.

Turning limited resources into high-impact projects, building trust-based teams, and transforming long-distance endurance—like ultramarathons and triathlons—into a mindset for leadership, perseverance, and social change.