Sports stars were honored at Medipol

For the first time this year, Istanbul Medipol University organized the “Istanbul Medipol University Athlete Recognition Ceremony” with the aim of honouring athletes who have successfully represented the university in national and international competitions, recognizing the dedication of coaches, and emphasizing the importance of sport within the institution’s culture. During the ceremony, students and coaches who brought pride to the university through their achievements across various sporting disciplines were presented with awards.

Held at the South Campus Conference Hall by the Health, Department of Health, Culture and Sports of Istanbul Medipol University, the ceremony was attended by President Prof. Bahadır Kürşat Güntürk, Secretary General Assoc. Prof. Abdurrahman Çetin, Director of the Health, Culture and Sports Department Funda Ayvaz, as well as students, coaches, and administrative staff.
 

PRESIDENT GÜNTÜRK: SPORT IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT MEANS OF BUILDING CHARACTER
Speaking at the ceremony, President of Istanbul Medipol University Prof. Bahadır Kürşat Güntürk emphasized that the university is not limited solely to education and research activities and stated that sport plays a significant role in preparing students for life.

Highlighting that sport is not merely about winning medals or achieving rankings, Güntürk said, “Sport is about building character. It is about learning the spirit of teamwork, refusing to give up in the face of challenges, and maintaining focus on one’s goals even during the most difficult moments.” 
 

Güntürk noted that students’ ability to pursue their sporting activities with the same determination amid the demanding pace of academic life was highly commendable. He added that athletes serve as role models for young people through the dedication they demonstrate both in their education and in their sporting careers.

Stating that success is built upon long hours of training, sacrifice, and strong determination, Güntürk expressed his gratitude to the coaches, families, and university staff who contribute to the development of athletes. He further emphasized that the sporting ethics and fighting spirit demonstrated by athletes are far more valuable than the awards and rankings they achieve and wished them continued success in the future.
 

AYVAZ: THE SAPLINGS WE PLANTED HAVE NOW BEGUN TO BEAR FRUIT
In her opening remarks, Director of the Health, Culture and Sports Department Funda Ayvaz stated that sport is one of the most important elements that brings individuals together around common goals, strengthens a sense of belonging, and promotes a culture of healthy living. 

Reflecting on the university’s sporting development journey, Ayvaz explained that Istanbul Medipol University took its first steps in sport following its establishment in 2010, largely in response to student demand. She noted that the university initially operated with only a basketball team but that its sporting structure gradually expanded through the support of sports coordinators, coaches, and the university administration. 
 

Ayvaz stated that the university now has 17 teams across nine major sporting disciplines and approximately 200 athletes participating in both individual and team sports. She emphasized that these athletes successfully represent both the university and Türkiye at national and international competitions. She further noted that, with the establishment of the sailing team during the 2025–2026 academic year, the university had also begun participating in water sports. “The saplings we planted have now begun to bear fruit. Many of the athletes appearing on stage today have brought significant rankings, trophies, and medals to our university.” she said. 

Continuing her speech, Ayvaz highlighted the importance of team spirit, noting that sport derives its true meaning not only from individual achievements but also from a culture of collective action. She stated that success often depends on taking responsibility at the right moment and supporting teammates and advised athletes to preserve and strengthen their sense of team spirit.
 

ATHLETES AND COACHES WERE HONORED
Following the speeches, certificates of achievement and awards were presented to athletes and coaches who had achieved success in national and international competitions across various sporting disciplines. In addition, certificates of appreciation were presented to Deputy Director of Sports Services Sinem Ceviz, together with Ecem Öztekin,Kubilay Dayı, and İlayda Acar, who serve within the Sports Coordination Unit of the Health, Culture and Sports Department, in recognition of their contributions to university sport.
 

At the end of the programme, Director of the Health, Culture and Sports Department Funda Ayvaz presented Istanbul Medipol University jerseys bearing their names to President Prof. Bahadır Kürşat Güntürk and Secretary General Assoc. Prof. Abdurrahman Çetin. The ceremony concluded with a group photograph.