2017 WU Heads of Delegation Meeting in Almaty starts

ALMATY – A FISU delegation led by its President Oleg Matytsin arrived in Almaty, Kazakhstan, together with the heads of delegations of many of the participating countries such as the United States of America, Russia, China, Japan, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, France, Canada, Republic of Korea, Sweden, Poland to name a few. The main purpose of the visit is an evaluation of the preparation level of Almaty for the 28^th Winter Universiade.

At a first working session, the delegates were welcomed by the city Mayor Bauyrzhan Baibek who explained that the preparation for the WU is on the right track and new venues are commissioned ahead of schedule, one and half months prior to the deadline. However, there is still some work to be done by the organizers during the next four months. “We will create all conditions for a comfortable stay of the athletes and we will focus on safety and security as well. Currently, 58 countries confirmed their participation in the upcoming winter games”, the Mayor said.

FISU President Oleg Matytsin, Almaty Mayor Bauyrzhan Baibek & the Director of the Almaty 2017 WU OC Nail Nurov

FISU President Oleg Matytsin praised the efforts Kazakhstan has taken to ensure everything is ready for the Universiade. “Hosting the Universiade is a great achievement for Kazakhstan. All local representatives should be proud with the opportunity to host the second largest multisport event after the Olympic Games. In 4 months, some of the best world athletes will compete in Almaty. The Universiade is set to be the biggest sporting event in Kazakhstan’s 25-year history. Writing history is not that easy, however you are handling it very well”.

President Matytsin went on to thank the country’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev and Almaty Mayor Bauyrzhan Baibek, saying that their personal overseeing of preparatory activities is the guarantee that the Universiade will be organised on the highest possible level. According to the FISU President, no less important is the legacy the city and the country have after the event. The Universiade should become a real impetus for people to practice sports, and the freshly built venues provide great opportunities for that.

Over the next three days, from 15 to 18 September, the international guests will visit all venues of the 2017 Winter Universiade, which are the ‘Sunkar’ International Ski Jumping Complex, ‘Baluan Sholak’ Sports Palace, ‘Almaty Arena’ (new venue), ‘Halyk Arena’ (new venue), ‘Medeu’ High-mountain Ice Rink, ‘Shymbulak’ Ski Resort, ‘Alatau’ Cross-country Skiing and Biathlon Stadium ‘Tabagan’ Ski Resort.

Furthermore, the delegates will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the living conditions provided for the athletes in the Athletes’ Village and receive answers to all relevant questions. Besides, the delegates will take part in the draw for team sports and Opening Ceremony of the ice palace ‘Almaty Arena’ and a Gala concert dedicated to the 1,000-year anniversary of the city which will be held in this venue.

Together with the Heads of Delegations, the representatives of the Observer programme (members of the Organising Committee of the 29^th Winter Universiade 2019 in Krasnoyarsk) will also attend the venue inspection visit.

(Source: Almaty 2017 OC)