According to the Press Service of the People’s Party of Kazakhstan, two new sporting ventures have been launched in the country, both aiming to give opportunities to youngsters to participate in activities that may otherwise be considered beyond their reach.
The initiatives embrace the ideals of sport without borders, and during a discussion on Comprehensive Support for Children with Special Needs in Kazakhstan, the two projects were presented to the delegates, one of whom, Nursultan Shokanov, expressed his full support for each.
Anna Alyabyeva’s Rhythmic Gymnastics School announced the creation of an adaptive gymnastics programme aimed at children with disabilities. The school has experience of such inclusive work as its coaches have trained gymnasts for the Paralympics. The School has already established contacts with colleagues in Russia, with very positive feedback coming from the experience north of the border.
“Our partners and friends are ready to share their proven case studies with us,” Alyabyeva said.
“And it’s great that we already have such good experience, which we can, in principle, implement at our facility. International para-athlete federations, including those for rhythmic gymnastics, have long existed around the world. If they can do it, so can we!”
At the same meeting, the Federation of Mountaineering and Sport Climbing also announced the formation of a parasports federation with their Secretary General, Nursultan Aldongarov, also adding that the 2028 Paralympic Games will include a new sport – para-climbing. This will take place in the USA.
“We intend to participate in these Games. The Federation is currently working to register this sport.”
Nursultan Shokanov, of the People’s Party of Kazakhstan, and a long-time supporter of special causes such as this, said:
“This is a very interesting area of work. For special children, sport is not just a hobby, but a method of adaptation, self-realisation, and socialisation.”
Anna Alyabyeva rounded off the proceedings by suggesting that the Party support a Year of Inclusive Children. In her opinion, given that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is currently doing a great deal in this area, the initiative should garner a positive response.
