University Search and Rescue Games Kick Off in Northern Cyprus

The University Search and Rescue Games (USARGames 2025) have officially started in Northern Cyprus, organized under the coordination of the Civil Defense Organization. The event brings together student teams from 15 universities across the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Turkey. Young volunteers will showcase their search and rescue skills through realistic disaster response scenarios.

The games are taking place at the Civil Defense Organization’s training ground in Metehan, Nicosia, and will run through April 28. A technical briefing is scheduled for today between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM as part of the event’s agenda.

Participants include members of search and rescue clubs from 12 universities in the TRNC and 3 universities from Turkey. Although participation is entirely voluntary, the exercises are carried out with a high level of professionalism, aiming to simulate real-life emergency conditions.

The purpose of the games is to train future responders to reach victims quickly during disasters, provide effective aid, carry out organized and safe rescue operations, and reduce loss of life. The event also aims to raise awareness about disaster preparedness and promote teamwork in emergency situations.

The competition will wrap up with a closing and award ceremony on Monday, April 28, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Civil Defense Organization’s pavilion.