The seventh edition of the “Universities Search and Rescue Games” (USARGames 2025) will kick off tomorrow at the Civil Defence Organisation’s Training and Drill Grounds in Metehan, Lefkoşa.

Organised under the coordination of the Civil Defence Organisation and supported by the International Universities Search and Rescue Council, the event brings together 15 university teams for four days of drills, competition, and awareness activities.

The games feature the participation of young volunteers from search and rescue clubs of universities in the TRNC and Türkiye.

A press briefing was held on Tuesday by the Civil Defence Organisation ahead of the event, where a promotional film was shown and information was provided by Operations and Training Branch Director Yusuf Eker.

Speaking at the event, Musa Oytun, President of the International Universities Search and Rescue Council, highlighted the importance of raising awareness about natural disasters among youth. “We are a growing family. In this region of the world, the risk of natural disasters is high. Therefore, we must be prepared and cautious,” he stated.

Civil Defence Organisation President Atilla Karaca emphasised the aim of engaging university students in search and rescue efforts and integrating them into the national emergency response system.

He noted ongoing efforts to expand participation in future events, including more universities from Türkiye and member states of the Organization of Turkic States.

This year, 12 universities from the TRNC—including Eastern Mediterranean University, Near East University, Cyprus International University, and others—alongside three from Türkiye—Maltepe University, Marmara University, and Kahramanmaraş İstiklal University—will compete in the games.

USARGames 2025 will conclude on the evening of 28 April with an awards ceremony at the Civil Defence Organisation Pavilion.

For the first time, the games will also feature concerts, theatre performances, and a variety of sports, social, and cultural activities.