CIU hosted UNIFEST

Cyprus International University (CIU) in cooperation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Turkey, the Northern Cyprus University Sports Federation and the Turkey University Sports Federation hosted UNIFEST. 

Inter-university 3x3 basketball and indoor football tournaments were held within the scope of UNIFEST which was inaugurated by TRNC President Ersin Tatar.

In his opening speech, President Tatar pointed out that sports means the continuation of brotherhood, solidarity, peace, serenity and all other good things, and drew attention to how being involved in  sports affects  academic success. 

President Tatar said that the event has been organized in cooperation with the Turkey University Sports Federation, and added such organizations are important for both the promotion of the  universities in our country and for fostering brotherhood ties between the two countries.

In his opening speech, CIU Rector Prof. Dr. Halil Nadiri said he was very  pleased that CIU has hosted this sports event and wished success to all the athletes. Pointing out that competition and winning are important in sports, Nadiri also stated it also contributes to the development of young people's personalities, their tendency to maintain discipline in team work and leadership.

Nadiri stated that winning in sports is important and said, "In addition to winning, it is much more important to be a good athlete, to respect others, and to prioritize sportsmanship at some point."

President of Turkey University Sports Federation Prof. Dr. Mehmet Günay also expressed their satisfaction in opening the first sports festival as a result of the work carried out for about a year in cooperation between Turkey and the TRNC and said, "From now on, we will organize bigger festivals and bigger championships collaboratively in Northern Cyprus just like the sports festivals held in the Republic of Turkey.”

In his speech, Hüseyin Aşkın Kınacı, President of the Northern Cyprus University Sports Federation, pointed out the importance of organizing the event between the two countries and said, “Today's university games are the most important proof that both countries are an inseparable. I hope this cooperation will continue.” 

Following the opening speeches, the event started with competitions and many activities were organized in the festival area for students’ use. In addition to 3x3 basketball and Indoor Football tournaments, games called 'e-sports' were also made available for students’ participation.