Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Search and Rescue (EMU-SAR) filled EMU with pride by winning the first place in TRNC category and third place in overall category in the 7th University Search and Rescue Games (USARGames2025) organized on 24 – 28 April 2025 in collaborations of the International Universities Search and Rescue Council (IUSARC) and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Civil Defence Organization (SSTB). The games which took place at the Metehan Training and Drill Grounds in Nicosia, was attended by total of 15 university research and rescue clubs, 12 of them from TRNC and the remaining 3 from Türkiye.
The purpose of the event was to promote disaster and emergency preparedness among university students, increase awareness about search and rescue operations, and teach effective, volunteer-based intervention techniques through practical training.
As part of the games, EMU-SAR team competed in five different tracks; Wooden Bridge, Obstacle Track, Concrete Track, Aerial Line and Wreckage Track. Continuing their practices under the coordination of trainer Kağan Gür, EMU-SAR team consisted of Burak Uysal (Team Leader), Ömer Faruk Avcı, Yeşim Turhan, Emirhan Tuğal, Arda Kalaycıoğlu, Besim Kaan Uçar, Melisa Ulupınar and Miran Kava Karakulak.
During the competition, EMU-SAR Team Leader Burak Uysal received the “Most Successful Team Leader” award. The closing and awards ceremony of the games took place on 28 April 2025 at the Civil Defence Organization facilities where EMU-SAR team received their awards from retired Lieutenant General Zekai Aksakallı.
A visit to EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç
Following their achievements at the USARGames2025, EMU Search and Rescue Club team paid a courtesy visit to EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç on Wednesday, 30 April 2025. Information regarding the event and received awards were shared at the said meeting. Adding more, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Kılıç congratulated the students for their devoted work.
