Experts state that university years are a period when young people develop rapidly physically and mentally, and that sports help young people achieve a healthy body and a strong mind during this process.
Sports Expert Özcan Demir, also mentioning the contribution of sports to students' academic motivation and success, said, “Physical activity leads to the mind working more efficiently and an increase in concentration. Students who exercise regularly generally experience less stress, sleep better, and understand what they read better. In short, sports are the invisible supporter of academic motivation and success.”
Özcan Demir, Head of the Health, Culture and Sports Department, evaluated the effects of university sports on young people on the occasion of September 20 University Sports Day.
University years are a period when young people develop rapidly physically and mentally
Özcan Demir stated that university years are a period when young people develop rapidly physically and mentally, and said, “Sports help young people achieve a healthy body and a strong mind during this process. Physical activities increase endurance, muscle strength, and coordination, while the sense of achievement brought by sports strengthens self-confidence. Furthermore, a culture of unity and cooperation develops in team sports; in individual sports, patience, discipline, and focus skills are reinforced. Sports are a versatile development tool that turns young people into balanced, self-disciplined, and self-confident individuals.”
Students who exercise regularly experience less stress
Özcan Demir, also mentioning the contribution of sports to students' academic motivation and success, stated, “There are many examples showing that sports directly contribute to students' academic success. Physical activity leads to the mind working more efficiently and an increase in concentration. Students who exercise regularly generally experience less stress, sleep better, and understand what they read better. Additionally, sports help develop key skills such as time management, goal setting, and perseverance. These skills positively affect academic performance. In short, sports are the invisible supporter of academic motivation and success.”
Regular exercise forms the cornerstones of a healthy life
Demir also touched upon the role of university sports in creating a healthy lifestyle awareness, saying, "University sports instill healthy habits in young people that will guide them not only today but throughout their lives. Individuals who exercise regularly become more conscious about nutrition, rest, and life balance. This awareness makes it easier to cope with stress and increases mental resilience. This sports and healthy living habit formed in university is maintained in the post-graduation period, forming the cornerstones of a healthy life."
Also offers new opportunities and experiences
Özcan Demir, explaining the opportunities offered to students by inter-university sports organizations, continued as follows:
“Inter-university tournaments and leagues develop students not only athletically but also socially and personally. These organizations allow for the formation of new friendships and networks, mingling with students from different cities and cultures, exploring students' limits, and perhaps discovering an unrevealed sports talent. Furthermore, related school representation and licensed athlete privileges open up an experience area full of special events, awards, and achievements. All of these are not just about sports, but a journey full of lifelong friendships and opportunities.”
Athlete support should be developed
Demir pointed out that many universities currently offer various scholarships, accommodation facilities, and course flexibility to support student athletes, stating, “However, the widespread adoption and standardization of these supports is still an area that needs work. Especially for students trying to balance sports and academic life, more flexible approaches in program, course, and accommodation arrangements will allow them to focus more comfortably on both sports and academic success. Increasing this support will also raise the quality of university sports.”
University sports should be promoted more
Demir concluded by pointing out the areas that need to be addressed for the further development of university sports in the future: “Joint projects and awareness-raising activities should be organized with sports faculties, physical education, and health sciences departments. Investments in sports halls, equipment, and facility access should be increased. Scholarships, accommodation, and academic flexibility for student athletes should be standardized. University sports should be promoted more to attract the interest of young people, and achievements should be made visible. National and international events aimed at increasing inter-university interaction (such as FISU, EUSA projects) should be encouraged.”