İstinye University and the Laughter Heals Association, saying "Sports is every child's right," opened the sports hall at İstinye University Vadi Main Campus to ensure that all children can access sports. As part of the project to provide disadvantaged children with access to sports, one day each month will be reserved for the use of disadvantaged children.
With the collaboration between İstinye University and Laughter Heals Association, the sports hall will be used by the association one day each month, offering opportunities for disadvantaged children to engage in sports. The opening ceremony, hosted by the famous actor İlker Ayrık, was attended by volunteer students from the Department of Child Development, former Trabzonspor coach Abdullah Avcı, Monik İpekel known for her community service, Aslı Bastıyalı, the founder of Laughter Heals Association, İstinye University Rector Prof. Dr. Erkan İbiş, association staff, and children. In his opening speech, Prof. Dr. Erkan İbiş emphasized the importance of serving the community with his words, "With the opening of this sports hall, we are bringing together three vital concepts: sports, civil society activities, and social services."
Children Enjoyed Playing Games
At the event, with the fun presentation of famous actor and Laughter Heals Association manager İlker Ayrık, a group of 35 students from the Department of Child Development at İstinye University supported the children in having a great day by engaging in sports. During the event, special activities were organized, and the children received gifts such as balls, t-shirts, and hats. They had fun with activities like obstacle courses, dancing, basketball, and balloon popping.
“I wish all disadvantaged children can access their right to play and sports.”
Aslı Bastıyalı, the Founder of Laughter Heals Association, shared the following in her speech: "Being here today is very meaningful. I believe collaborations between universities and NGOs are crucial, and I see that these collaborations have not been widespread so far. I hope this collaboration serves as an example for other universities and NGOs, and I wish to see more of this in the future. We believe that play is every child's right. I wish all disadvantaged children can access their right to play and sports." Bastıyalı highlighted the importance of the collaboration with İstinye University in the field of children's rights and community service.
“Universities' involvement in sports and community service is invaluable for students' development.”
In his speech, former Trabzonspor coach Abdullah Avcı said, "Every type of sport has a healing power. Since 2015, I have been involved in every aspect of sport and education. I will continue to participate in events that include education, health, and sports." He emphasized the importance of İstinye University's decision to open the sports hall to children in this initiative, where the goal is to enable all children, regardless of their obstacles, to engage in sports. He continued, "It is invaluable for universities to engage in activities in the fields of sports and community service for the development of students."
The newly opened sports hall will provide sustainable support for special children
Taking sustainable steps for public health and prioritizing psychosocial support and contribution to society, İstinye University took an important step to turn the "Sports is every child's right" event, held on December 19, into a lasting benefit for children. With its mission to raise equipped individuals, the University continues its work focused on social responsibility, raising awareness and promoting rehabilitation in the community.
