Hitit University Sports Sciences Mountaineering Collaboration: First Training Held in Budakören
Within the framework of the cooperation protocol aimed at conducting joint activities between the parties to contribute to the professional development of Physical Education and Sports Department (PESD) students, enable academic staff to conduct practical and theoretical studies, and strengthen scientific and educational cooperation in the field of mountaineering, the first training event supported by the Hitit Mountaineering Sports Club was held at the Budakören Climbing Garden.
Although rainy weather prevents training activities from being conducted as frequently as expected, the sessions have officially commenced. Training will continue to be provided based on the progress of students who wish to participate regularly and improve themselves.
Even though this protocol was specifically established with the Physical Education and Sports Department, it is open to all students within our faculty, and students who wish to develop their skills in mountaineering are highly supported. No fees are requested from students who want to improve themselves; the program is entirely based on volunteerism. This cooperation protocol can also be institutionalized and formalized by including the Coaching Education, Sports Management, and Recreation Departments in the future.
Led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zafer DOĞRU—one of only two academics in Turkey holding a 4th Level (Head Coach) certificate—an environment for acquiring new skills is provided, where personal experiences are shared, and participating students are given the opportunity to discover their hidden potential.
This protocol, which can also involve our academic colleagues, plans to create opportunities to spend time in nature and acquire new life habits that can be utilized throughout their lifetime. In this way, significant steps will be taken to contribute positively to the organizational climate.
Notes from the Training Activity
During this training activity, Physical Education and Sports Department students were informed about potential risks in outdoor sports and specific risks associated with rock climbing. Four students from the Physical Education and Sports Department, who had never experienced mountaineering before, participated in the event.
On April 16, 2026, the group departed from Çorum to Budakören Village at 09:30 AM. Two previously bolted climbing routes located on the side of the Budakören Waterfall close to the village were selected for the training.
First, the technical equipment used in rock climbing was put on by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zafer DOĞRU, and their names and purposes of use were explained visually. A demonstration was given on how to rappel down using a climbing rope from a top-rope anchor point.
Accompanied by Coach Hacer UÇAR, the students walked to the starting points of the routes. Athletes from HİDAK (Hitit Mountaineering Sports Club) also participated in this training activity.
The organization of Top-Rope secured climbing was practically demonstrated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zafer DOĞRU and Hacer UÇAR. Basic climbing skills such as putting on a climbing harness, sitting on the rope upon completing the climb, descending position, handholds, footholds, center of gravity, and balance were explained, followed by practical applications.
