Heads of Delegations visit 2017 WU Venues

ALMATY – Currently, at the ongoing Heads of Delegation meeting in Almaty, led by FISU President Oleg Matytsin, the delegates of FISU and WU participating countries have visited five venues, i.e. ‘Sunkar’ International Ski Jumping Complex, ‘Baluan Sholak’ Sports Palace, Ice Palace ‘Almaty Arena’, ‘Medeu’ High-mountain Ice Rink and ‘Shymbulak’ Ski Resort.

“These sport venues correspond to the highest international standards. The Athletes’ Village is a unique project, according a level of comfort which is much higher than that of the Olympic facilities. Recently, I have returned from the Rio, I need to say that the level of comfort, communication and infrastructure is much higher in Almaty”, FISU President Oleg Matytsin noted.

Sunkar Ski Jumping Complex

The delegates are satisfied with the inspection visit of the venues and noted that the preparation process for the Winter Games proceed in a very active way and in accordance with all FISU requirements.

“I have been many times to Almaty and I have seen how the Ski Jumping Complex was built prior to the Asian Winter Games. So, I was sure that for this time everything will be well prepared”, the Head of the National University Sports Federation of Russia Sergey Seyranov shared. “The new ice hockey palace is pretty impressive, both from the inside and outside. I will say that despite the fact that there is cold ice around us, here we have a warm atmosphere. The other venues that we have visited are almost ready as well, however, according to my experience, as it happens often, there is still a lot of work to do even when there is only one month left.”

Halyk Ice Arena

“Everything I have seen today is very nice. I have been here before during winter time, as well as when venues were under construction, and now when everything is commissioned it is very nice to see the result”, Neil Rodgers, the representative of the Great Britain commented. “This trip seems to be pretty impressive.”

“It’s my first visit to Kazakhstan. You have a beautiful country and very kind people”, the representative of the USA Craig Jonas said. “Regarding the venues, I liked the venues that I have visited so far, all the rooms are big, comfortable, as well as a good infrastructure. So, I can briefly say that Kazakhstan prepared very well, and probably two of our ice hockey teams, both women and men, will receive an opportunity to witness and experience it.”

“I am impressed with the venues that I have visited, starting from the ski jumping complex to ice arenas”, Juka Tirri, the representative of Finland said.

(Source: Almaty 2017 OC)