Get the Most of Your Bilkent Experience with Exercise and Sport

Dr. Hayri Özkan

Director, Physical Education and Sports Center

As we begin the new academic year, I would like to extend a warm welcome to new and returning Bilkent students.

Being at Bilkent is a special experience. Sports and exercise can help make it even better. The Physical Education and Sports Center offers a wide range of programs in world-class sports facilities. It includes three multi- purpose sports halls, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, and several mini and grass football fields. In the Student Dormitories Sports Hall, a state of the art fitness center comes with top-notch exercise and fitness equipment. Also for your use are three squash courts, regulation size basketball and volleyball courts, an indoor running track, two aerobic-step and multi-use studios, a table tennis room, and locker rooms. All the facilities you need for sports, exercise and fun can be found right here on campus.

As any doctor will tell you, there are a host of good reasons as to why it is important to get your body moving, and take part in sports and exercise programs. For example:

  • You can improve and maintain your athletic performance.
  • It will help you stay fit and healthy.
  • Your body weight and blood pressure can be kept under control.
  • It can reduce the risk of heart disease, both now and in the future.
  • Good cholesterol (HDL) is increased, while bad cholesterol (LDL) is decreased.
  • You may find it to be a great way help manage stress.
  • Your energy levels can be given a boost.
  • Meeting new friends is part of the fun.
  • It’s a great way to relieve boredom.
  • Overall quality of life can be improved.

So, having said that, let’s look at what we offer  for you at three sports halls.
You can choose from a rich selection of aerobic/step classes, a variety of martial arts programs,  four different racket sports programs, as well as cricket, fencing  horseriding, ice skating, orienteering, ultimate frisbee and Turkish folk  dancing.

If you feel these do not meet your needs, and you would like to compete, we invite you to try out for our school teams such as American football, basketball, football, ice hockey, tennis, and volleyball.

As a result I can say that exercise and fitness can add life to one’s years, not just years to one’s life. It is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Take advantage of what is available to you, and enjoy.