Experts emphasize that university years are a period when young people develop rapidly both physically and mentally, and they highlight that sports help students achieve a healthy body and a strong mind during this stage.
Sports Specialist Özcan Demir also pointed out the contribution of sports to students’ academic motivation and success, saying: “Physical activity allows the mind to work more efficiently and increases concentration. Students who exercise regularly generally experience less stress, sleep better, and comprehend what they read more effectively. In short, sports are the invisible supporter of academic motivation and achievement.”
On the occasion of September 20th University Sports Day, Özcan Demir, Head of the Department of Health, Culture, and Sports, evaluated the impact of university sports on young people.
University years: A period of rapid physical and mental development
Underscoring that university years are a time of rapid physical and mental growth for young people, Demir stated: “Sports help students attain a healthy body and a strong mind during this period. Physical activities enhance endurance, muscle strength, and coordination, while the sense of accomplishment that sports bring strengthens self-confidence. Moreover, team sports cultivate a culture of unity and cooperation, whereas individual sports reinforce patience, discipline, and focus. Sports are a multifaceted tool of development that turns young people into balanced, self-disciplined, and confident individuals.”
Students who exercise regularly experience less stress
Speaking further on the contribution of sports to students’ academic motivation and success, Demir noted: “There are many examples showing that sports directly contribute to academic performance. Physical activity allows the brain to work more productively and boosts concentration. Students who exercise regularly tend to experience less stress, sleep better, and understand their readings more thoroughly. In addition, sports help develop key skills such as time management, goal setting, and perseverance. These skills positively impact academic performance. In short, sports are the invisible supporter of academic motivation and success.”
Regular exercise builds the cornerstones of a healthy life
Demir also touched upon the role of university sports in fostering an awareness of healthy living: “University sports instill healthy habits that will guide young people not only today but throughout their entire lives. Individuals who exercise regularly become more conscious about nutrition, rest, and life balance. This awareness makes it easier to cope with stress and enhances mental resilience. The sports and healthy living habits developed at university continue into post-graduation years, forming the cornerstones of a healthy life.”
New opportunities and experiences
Explaining the opportunities offered to students through inter-university sports organizations, Özcan Demir continued: “Inter-university tournaments and leagues help students grow not only athletically but also socially and personally. These organizations allow students to build new friendships and networks, connect with peers from different cities and cultures, discover their own limits, and perhaps even uncover a hidden sporting talent. In addition, privileges such as representing the school, becoming a licensed athlete, access to special events, awards, and achievements create a field of rich experiences. Altogether, this journey is not only about sports but also about lifelong friendships and opportunities.”
Support for athletes should be improved
Pointing out that many universities currently provide various scholarships, housing facilities, and course flexibilities to support student-athletes, Demir said: “However, the expansion and standardization of these supports is still an area that requires further work. Especially for students who strive to balance sports and academic life, more flexible approaches in scheduling, coursework, and housing arrangements would enable them to focus more easily on both athletic and academic success. Increasing this support will also raise the overall quality of university sports.”
University sports should be promoted more widely
Highlighting the steps needed for the future development of university sports, Demir emphasized: “Joint projects should be organized with faculties of sports, physical education, and health sciences, as well as awareness-raising events. Investments should be increased in gyms, equipment, and facility access. Scholarships, housing, and academic flexibility for student-athletes should be standardized. University sports should be promoted more widely to attract young people’s interest and to make achievements more visible. National and international events (such as FISU and EUSA projects) that enhance inter-university interaction should be encouraged.”