The Winter Universiade 2017 in Almaty
The Universiade – an international multi-sport event which is organised for university athletes – is held under the auspices of the International University Sports Federation (FISU). Students of all levels graduating the year before the Universiade and who are between the ages of 17 and 28 can take part in the competitions.
City of Youth and Sport
One of the oldest cities in the country, Almaty is a city of young people. A third of its population is 30 years old or younger. Almaty has more universities than any other cities in Kazakhstan. It is also a city of sport with modern competition and training facilities. Almaty hosts the highest number of various sporting events and campaigns to promote a healthy lifestyle – over 250 events annually. The landscape of Almaty allows each of its inhabitants to have an active and interesting lifestyle and go in for their favourite sports. The most popular sports in Almaty are skiing and snowboarding.Kazakhstan has been participating in the Universiade since 1993. More than 700 participants have attended, with 125 medals having been won so far.
On November 29, 2011, FISU announced that Almaty was going to be the city hosting the 28th Winter Universiade in 2017. Kazakhstan is the first among CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries to host the Winter Universiade.
The Key Facts:
The 2017 Universiade will take place in Almaty from 29 January till 8 February.
The Organising Committee of the 28th Winter Universiade is chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Imangali Tasmagambetov. The Organising Committee controls the implementation of all the necessary arrangements for hosting the Winter Universiade 2017 successfully.
The initiator of the Winter Universiade in Kazakhstan in 2017, being a member of FISU, is the Federation of University Sports of Kazakhstan, which is headed by Professor Kairat Zakiryanov.
The Organizing Directorate for the Winter Universiade 2017 is located in Almaty for the purpose of monitoring the current progress and preparations of the event. The Directorate is headed by Nail Nurov.More than 2000 athletes from more than 55 countries are expected to take part in the Winter Universiade competitions in Almaty. Approximately 3000 volunteers will be involved, including foreigners and representatives of regions. In addition, over 30000 guests and tourists are expected to attend the festivities.It is estimated that the number of TV viewers will reach 1 billion, with broadcasting being available in 80 countries.
Cultural Heritage of Almaty
In Kazakh the word 'alma' means apple; and Almaty is literally translated as 'rich in apples'. The city was named in honour of apples, which have grown there since ancient times. This is why the emblem of Almaty, and of the whole Seven Rivers region, bears the image of this fruit. Almaty has an ancient and rich history. As a transit point on the Silk Road, the city was an international trade hub in Central Asia. Silk traders from China as well as ivory and spice sellers from India would meet there to leave a unique trace on the culture of the city. The city has been home to many prominent figures of science, arts, culture and education, who made important contributions to the cultural development of Kazakhstan. Today Almaty has a well-developed cultural infrastructure and skilled human resources, and it is home to the leading theatre, arts museum and library organisations of Kazakhstan.
Almaty regularly hosts international cultural events such as the international music festival 'Voice of Asia', the International Eurasia Film Festival and the International Jazz Festival.
Legacy
The hosting of the 2017 Winter Universiade in Almaty will have a positive impact on the city and its inhabitants. It will foster a new wave of future leaders and inspire new achievements aiming at sustainable development through the prism of the Universiade and university sports.
Infrastructure: construction of new roads and improvement of the transportation system, construction of new sports facilities and of a university campus that will utilise advanced power-saving and environmentally-friendly technology
Education: training programme for sports reporters, sports doctors, sports event managers and sports tourism managers
Health care: a positive effect on the health of Almaty inhabitants, increasing their life expectancy and level of comfort
Tourism: an intensive development of tourist infrastructures (increase in the number of hotels and ski resorts) is planned during the preparation process of the Universiade.
