2017 WU Almaty : 57 countries registered!

During the Government meeting, the Mayor of Almaty Bauyrzhan Baibek spoke about the preparation of the city to host the 28th Winter Universiade 2017.

It is estimated that the Winter Universiade 2017 will be the largest sporting event in the whole history of the student games, since the number of applications received so far reached 57 countries. Erzurum 2011 was the record holder in terms of number of participating countries. In general, the issues with visa were solved: 45 out of 57 countries do not need visa to enter Kazakhstan, 4 countries will receive visas in their embassies, 7 countries – in airports of Kazakhstan. Besides, during the Universiade, it is planned to stage 195 sport and 16 related cultural events.

“We are improving all the city services. Last week, according to results after monitoring of work of the International airport of Almaty, the meeting of Public Council was held where all pending question were discussed. There were given over 40 remarks which need to be corrected, including the work of customs, border guards, police, sanitary services, cafes, bars, luggage services, buses, taxi, etc. The same efforts in improving the services are conducted with the parties of the food services, hotels, railroad stations”, the Mayor of Almaty noted.

According to the Mayor, now, the selection procedure of 3000 out of 13 thousand volunteers’ applications has started, preference is given to candidates with a relevant experience and knowledge of English and other languages. On December 3 the city will start testing accommodations of the guests at the Athletes’ Village, as well as testing the arrival, providing food, security, household and other services.

Besides, a special attention is given to the security issues. During the last year, the logistical support of the DIA of the city was multiply by three. In order to provide security, it is planned to involve over 6.5 thousand law enforcement structures.

As a reminder, the Winter Universiade will be held from 29 January to 8 February, 2017 including 12 sport staged in 8 venues. The games will be broadcasted in 80 countries via 7 international channels with the audience of 1 billion TV viewers. In Kazakhstan, the games will be broadcasted on channels “Kazakhstan”, “Khabar” and “Kazsport”. From 21 October the official ticket sales for competitions had started. From 5 November in “Almaty Arena” the season of public skating had started. In November 16 the season of public season and the home games of the ice hockey team of Almaty will start in “Halyk Arena”.

(Source: Almaty Winter Universiade OC)