Near East University, ranked among the top 500 universities in the world, has been given the “Sports-Friendly Campus Award” by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK).
The award, given as part of the “Sports-Friendly Campus Project” conducted by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), recognized Near East University’s status as a “Sports-Friendly Campus.” The award was presented to Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ by YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar at a ceremony held at Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University.
Near East University, which ranks among the top 500 universities in the world, has crowned its approach of supporting its students’ academic development through a healthy lifestyle culture and sports with this significant award. Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ received the “Sports-Friendly Campus Award” from YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar at the ceremony held at Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University. Near East University has become the first and only university in Cyprus to hold the title of “Sports-Friendly Campus” with this achievement.
Assessed throughout 45 Criteria, Certified as Sports-Friendly!
The Sports-Friendly Campus Project, implemented in line with cooperation protocols signed between the Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), aims to encourage university students to engage in physical activity, promote healthy lifestyle habits, and improve sports facilities on campuses.
Universities are assessed in accordance with 45 different criteria, ranging from sports-friendly campus vision and strategies to facility infrastructure, student club activities, health and nutrition services, addiction prevention efforts, and staff participation. This comprehensive assessment reveals the extent to which higher education institutions integrate sports into campus life.
Near East University achieved this significant success by drawing attention with its strong sports infrastructure, student-focused approach, and practices that make sports an integral part of life.
Campus Life Integrating Academic Success with Sports
Near East University has 1,651 licensed athletes in sports other than football. The university makes significant contributions to the sports life of Northern Cyprus with its athletes. The first and only Olympic-sized indoor swimming pool in the TRNC, located on the university campus, the RA25 Sports Hall meeting international standards, the state-of-the-art Sports Tower, and outdoor tennis courts, football and basketball fields serve students, athletes, and the public. The tennis courts, football field, and basketball courts on campus are also open to the public free of charge, contributing to making sports accessible to a wider audience.
The Near East University Hospital’s health sponsorship collaborations with the TRNC National Olympic Committee and various sports federations also constitute an important part of the university’s support for the sports ecosystem.
Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel: “We accept this meaningful award with great pride on behalf of all our students, academics, and staff who contribute to our university’s sports ecosystem.”
In a statement regarding their receiving the “Sports-Friendly Campus” title from the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Near East Enterprises, said, “As Near East University, while supporting our students’ academic achievements, we equally value their physical and mental development. With this understanding, we are creating international standard sports facilities on our campus, making sports accessible to everyone, and encouraging our youth to adopt an active lifestyle.”
Emphasizing that the “Sports-Friendly Campus” award is a recognition of their well-equipped facilities as well as their approach that positions sports as a way of life, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel added, “We receive this meaningful award with great pride on behalf of all our students, academics, and staff who contribute to our university’s sports ecosystem.”
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “The ‘Sports-Friendly Campus’ title given by YÖK is an important confirmation of this approach that we have consistently pursued for years.”
Stating that they view education not merely as an academic process conducted in classrooms, but as a holistic life experience encompassing the physical, social, and mental development of students, the Rector of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, said, “Thus, sports are one of the fundamental components of our university’s educational philosophy. The strong sports infrastructure we have created on our campus supports our students in acquiring healthy lifestyle habits, developing team spirit, and gaining a lifelong sports culture.”
“The ‘Sports-Friendly Campus’ title awarded by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) is an important confirmation of this approach that we have been steadfastly pursuing for years.”, said Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ, adding, “I would like to thank all our academic and administrative staff, coaches, athletes, and students who contributed to this success. In the coming period, we will continue to keep sports at the center of our campus life and raise healthy generations.”
