The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) implemented the "Sports Friendly Campus" project, which recognized higher education institutions that implement exceptional projects in this area and encourage sports culture in universities. At the ceremony held at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University in Rize, Atatürk University was recognized as one of the universities that deserved the "Sports Friendly Campus Certificate."

 At the ceremony, YÖK President Prof. Dr. Özvar, and Bilal Erdoğan presented Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu with his certificate. The event was attended by Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak, YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and İlim Yayma Foundation Board of Trustees President Necmettin Bilal Erdoğan.

 "We are concerned about the interconnectedness of sports and campus life for our youth."

 During the ceremony, Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak emphasized the critical significance of enhancing the availability of sports and physical activity opportunities at universities, stating, "The role of sports in the fight against obesity is becoming increasingly significant." We desire for our universities to assume a leadership role in this matter and provide our youth with additional opportunities to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle. Turkey is currently undergoing a significant transformation as a result of its investments in athletics. This transformation is also significantly influenced by our universities. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the universities that were selected to receive awards today.

 "Sport is a Critical Instrument that Equips Our Youth for Life"

 In his address, YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar underscored the fact that universities are accountable for preparing their students for life by fostering academic, physical, and social growth. Özvar: "The health of our youth is at risk due to issues such as screen addiction and inactivity, which are a result of digitalization." Our universities bear a significant obligation at this juncture. The "Sports Friendly Campus" vision provides an educational model that promotes the physical and mental well-being of our students.

 "Sports are of Great Importance in the Development of Well-Adjusted Individuals in the Areas of Mental and Spiritual Health."

 Necmettin Bilal Erdoğan, President of the İlim Yayma Foundation Board of Trustees, underscored the significance of athletics in universities in terms of moral and social maturation, as well as physical development, during an assessment of the program. Erdoğan emphasized that sports are essential for the development of young people into well-rounded individuals in terms of their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. He also praised the "Sports Friendly Campus" project for its efforts to enhance the quality and health of university life. Erdoğan congratulated YÖK for its implementation of this significant initiative and all of the universities that contributed to the project.

 Rector Hacımüftüoğlu: "Atatürk University Promotes Sports Culture Throughout the Campus"

 In recent years, Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu has taken significant measures to enhance the university's sports infrastructure and to facilitate the participation of students and employees in physical activities. He expressed his immense pride in receiving the "Sports Friendly Campus Certificate." Rector Hacımüftüoğlu stated, "We, as a university, are aware that sports have a positive impact on the mental and physical health of individuals. Consequently, we implement initiatives that promote active living and sports on campus." We have established numerous opportunities for our students to utilize their extracurricular time in a productive manner, including outdoor exercise areas, sports fields, and walking paths. Additionally, we coordinate sports events for our academic and administrative staff and provide support to our sports clubs. We will be further motivated to promote sports culture within our university as a result of this award.

 Rector Hacımüftüoğlu continued his statement by asserting that he is of the opinion that the designation of "Sports Friendly Campus" will be a significant preference criterion for prospective students during the university preference period.

 The Preference Guide will encompass universities that prioritize sports.

 The universities that have been designated as "Sports Friendly Campuses" in the 2025 ÖSYM preference guide will be identified separately in the statement issued at the conclusion of the ceremony. Consequently, the objective is to enable prospective students to determine their preferences by virtue of the universities' healthy lifestyle vision and sports infrastructure.

 The Sports Friendly Campus Certificate is awarded to campuses that have successfully evaluated 45 distinct criteria, including strategy and management, infrastructure and facilities, events and participation, cooperation with stakeholders, health services, and traditional sports culture. Atatürk University was one of the universities that was cited as an example in this context due to its multifaceted athletics approach.

 CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTORATE – May 14, 2025