French couple cycling around the world reaches southern Turkey

A French couple, which is on a bicycle tour around the world to raise awareness for children with autism and down syndrome, has reached southern Turkiye.

Emilie, 40, and Davy Sanchis, 42, who left France after selling their house last June, arrived in Mersin’s Silifke district after touring the cities of Istanbul, Izmir, Mugla and Antalya.

The couple was welcomed by Mayor Sadik Altunok and then taken to a center providing support for autistic children.

The couple played table tennis and piano with the children at the center and then joined a bicycle tour with them.

“We aim to support children with down syndrome in their social lives and contribute to their integration into society,” Emilie Sanchis said.

The couple has toured eight countries cycling across 8,500 kilometers (5,281 miles).

*Writing by Zehra Nur Duz.