Matey Kaziyski and the volleyball players of the Turkish Halkbank (Ankara) joined the international campaign "Movember", dedicated to men's health.The club published a special photo session of its players with moustaches, challenging three of its biggest rivals - Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Ziraatbank.
The initiative was presented on November 7 under the motto"On the field we are rivals, but in supporting the cause we are one team". Through it, Halkbank aims to draw public attention to prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health issues in men.

Bulgarian volleyball legend Matey Kaziyski is also part of the Halkbank team that stood behind the initiative. The young Bulgarian outside hitter Denislav Bardarov is also in the squad of the Turkish club this season.
The interesting thing is that Bardarov does not stand out among the players with moustaches in the published photos. However, this does not mean that he does not support the initiative - participation in such a campaign is far from limited to changing one's appearance.
Why exactly moustaches?
The name Movember is a combination of the English wordsmoustache(moustache) andNovember(November). The movement originated in 2003 in Melbourne, Australia, when a group of friends decided to grow moustaches to spark conversations about health problems that men often neglect.
Over time, the initiative has grown into a global movement, uniting millions of participants and supporting scientific research, prevention programs, and psychological assistance.
According to official data from the Movember organization, over1.8 billion Australian dollarshave been provided for activities and programs related to men's health since its inception.
Moustaches have become a recognizable symbol of the campaign. In November, participants change their appearance to provoke questions, encourage preventive check-ups, and remind that timely seeking medical help can save lives.
Challenge to Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Ziraatbank
Halkbank did not limit itself to the photo session. The club officially invited Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Ziraatbank to follow its example and also join the campaign.
Thus, four of the most recognizable names in Turkish sports can use their popularity to draw attention to a problem affecting millions of men worldwide.
Halkbank's message is clear - sports rivalry stays on the field, but when it comes to health and social responsibility, clubs can act together.
Whether the three invited clubs will accept the challenge remains to be seen.
For Matey Kaziyski and his teammates, the initiative is an opportunity to show that the influence of professional athletes extends far beyond the volleyball court. And this time, the most important victory will not be measured in points and sets, but in greater awareness and care for men's health.

photos:www.halkbankspor.org.tr