Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) organized a futsal tournament in memory of Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Mathematics academic staff member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arif Akkeleş who sadly passed away in 2024. Held with participation only from EMU personnel members, the finals round of the tournament were played between Technical Affairs Directorate Team, Transportation Unit Team, Rector’s Office Team and Security Affairs Team.
In third place match, Security Affairs Team competed against Transportation Unit Team. On the other hand, the final match featured Rector’s Office team and Technical Affairs Unit team. After a series of intense matches, the Technical Affairs Team secured first place, followed by the Rector’s Office Team in second, the Transportation Unit Team in third, and the Security Affairs Team in fourth.
EMU Vice Rector for Student Affairs Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu, EMU General Secretary Derviş Ekşici, EMU Board of Trustees (VYK) Member Beyhan Gürgöze and EMU Sports Affairs Directorate Coordinator Aydın Kayol were amongst the audience.
“We Love You, Arif Hoca”
Delivering the opening speech of the tournament, EMU Vice Rector for Student Affairs Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu said; “First and foremost, I would like to thank you all for being here today. Our longing for late EMU personnel, esteemed academician Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arif Akkeleş continues to grow with each passing day. We find comfort in cherishing and preserving his memories”. Prof. Dr. Zorlu ended her speech by saying; “We love you, Arif Hoca”.
“No Words Can Truly Describe Arif”
Also making an address at the said event, Sevgül Hansa, the older sister of late Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arif Akkeleş, thanked everyone contributing to the actualization of the event and expressed her deep longing for her brother. During her emotional speech, Hansa said; “No words can truly describe Arif. Arif came into this world but never truly left it; he has a special place in all of our hearts. He was a traveller of light, whose mission was to spread his light, and he did so in the most beautiful way. Although he is no longer physically with us, his spirit will always be with us. Today, I say farewell to Arif with love. Rest in peace, Arif”.
Lastly, Ahmet Akkeleş, the son of late academician took stage and said, “I am truly grateful that you came, and that you are here. I sincerely thank you all”.
Special awards were presented as part of the tournament. As a result of evaluations, the ‘Best Goal Keeper Award’ was given to Nuri Daş, ‘Best Player Award’ to Okan Erol and ‘Fairest Team Award’ to the Faculty of Arts and Sciences team.
During an awards ceremony held after the final matches, the Champion of the tournament and successful teams were presented with their awards by EMU Vice Rector for Student Affairs Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu, EMU General Secretary Derviş Ekşici, EMU VYK Member Beyhan Gürgöze, EMU Sports Affairs Directorate Coordinator Aydın Kayol, mother of late Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arif Akkeleş Semray Akkeleş, his father Ahmet Akkeleş, wife Funda Akkeleş, his son Ahmet Akkeleş and older sister Sevgül Hansa.
