Student Excitement at the Trabzon 2026 International Robotics Competition

Breathless Competitions Begin at Hayri Gür Sports Hall

Today, on July 11, 2026, the Hayri Gür Sports Hall in Trabzon is hosting a historic event in the field of student technology. For the first time in the Black Sea region, the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is being held as an Off-Season tournament [1]. This event, covered in collaboration with the Demirören News Agency (DHA), features more than 400 students from various Turkish cities, including Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa, and Kocaeli.

In this competition, 21 student teams have brought robots they designed and programmed throughout the year to compete within specific rules and games. The main goal of this gathering is to strengthen team spirit, problem-solving skills, and to further familiarize young people with the world of science and technology [2].

Trabzonspor's Role in Supporting Youth Innovation

One of the highlights of this competition is the active participation of the Trabzonspor Club in its organization. Murat İskender, Vice President of Trabzonspor, emphasized at the opening ceremony that the club is not just a sports entity, but recognizes its social responsibility in supporting the scientific and educational development of youth [2].

He noted that Trabzon hosting such a prestigious event demonstrates the city's strong vision in the fields of innovation and education beyond traditional sports. The Ro6one robotics team, formed with the support of Trabzon Central High School and Trabzonspor, plays a key role as the main host in coordinating the participating teams [1].

From Local Success to Global Honors

Robotics fever in Turkey is not limited to today's competition. In recent months, Turkish student teams have achieved significant success internationally. For example, the Novatron Robotics team from Beylikdüzü Anatolian High School qualified for the World Championship in Houston, USA, after a brilliant performance at the New York Regional competition [3].

Additionally, last June, the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) finals were held in Izmir, where top teams were selected to be sent to world competitions in Puerto Rico, Croatia, and India [1]. These consecutive successes indicate the rapid growth of the robotics ecosystem in Turkish schools and the country's transformation into a hub for young talent in the STEM field.

The Importance of STEM Education in Schools

Robotics competitions provide a platform for practical learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) beyond a simple contest. Teachers and mentors present at this tournament believe that through this process, students learn how to transform from technology consumers into technology producers [3].

In today's Trabzon competition, robots must perform complex tasks such as launching yellow balls into specific baskets, requiring high engineering precision and real-time programming. This experience helps students grapple with real-world engineering challenges before entering university and prepares them for their future careers [2].