Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, which has added value to its city and university through its pilot university projects, has opened the Sports Health Research, Application, and Thermal Rehabilitation Center (SAUTER), one of its projects aimed at promoting sports health and health tourism activities throughout the region. The opening ceremony took place on October 7, 2024, at KAEU stadium, attended by Kırşehir Governor Murat Sefa Demiryürek, Kırşehir Mayor Selahattin Ekicioğlu, Rector of KAEU Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil, Vice Rector of KAEU Prof. Dr. Ali Güneş, Secretary General Dr. Hüseyin İlter, provincial directors, some NGO representatives, academic and administrative staff, and students.
Before the opening ceremony, the Amateur Sports Week was opened at KAEU stadium with the participation of Turkish National Amputee Football Team, which is the pride of our nation and a World and European Champion. During the event, in which Rector of KAEU Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil also participated, the Turkish National Amputee Football Team held an exhibition match.
After the opening of Amateur Sports Week, the protocol members proceeded to the opening of SAUTER. The first speaker at the event was SAUTER Coordinator, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakkı Çağdaş Basat, who emphasized the importance of SAUTER as a vital center for athlete health. He explained that the center was divided into two sections: a measurement area and an exercise-rehabilitation area. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Basat highlighted that the center provided health services to athletes with a strong team and a wide service range, adding that there were not many centers like SAUTER in Turkiye. He stressed the significance of the center for the nation, region, and city, and thanked everyone involved in its establishment, wishing the center to be beneficial for the country, city, and university.
Following Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakkı Çağdaş Basat’s speech, Rector of KAEU Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil noted that SAUTER was one of the pilot university projects initiated five years ago. He explained that the center would offer health services using geothermal water. Rector Karahocagil stated that the university had six projects under the pilot university initiative: three in agriculture and three in health. He emphasized that the center would serve athletes from all sports, citizens interested in sports, and those seeking sports consultancy. Rector Karahocagil expressed his belief that these pilot university projects would add value to the nation and the region, wishing the center to be beneficial for the country, region, city, and university.
After Rector of KAEU Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil’s speech, Kırşehir Governor Murat Sefa Demiryürek expressed his satisfaction with the opening of such a health center during Amateur Sports Week. He said that SAUTER would make the university a model institution and wished for the center’s success for the country and city.
Following the speeches, protocol members officially opened SAUTER.
Next week, the Turkish National Amputee Football Team, which will represent the nation at the Balkan Championship, will continue their preparations at KAEU stadium. Throughout the week, SAUTER will also conduct health check-ups for the Turkish National Amputee Football Team.
