Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov met with members of the national team of Kazakhstan ahead of the upcoming XVII Paralympic Summer Games 2024.

In the building of the Paralympic Training Centre Head of the Government presented the national Paralympic team of the country with the state flag of Kazakhstan, which athletes will solemnly carry during the opening ceremony of the Games. Competitions will be held from 28 August to 8 September in Paris.

Olzhas Bektenov wished success to the national Paralympic team.

"The Paralympic Games are not just a sport, it is a confirmation of the limitless abilities of a human being. Your willpower and courage are worthy of adoration. Millions of people are inspired by your dedication and unwavering spirit, learning to overcome life's obstacles. Our flag, which you are receiving today, is a symbol of unity and victory. The Head of State noted that defending the country's honour at the world's major sporting events is an honourable task, a great honour and responsibility. We are confident that you will worthily represent Kazakhstan in the international arena and bring home new medals," Olzhas Bektenov said.

Kazakhstan is creating the necessary infrastructure for the development of Paralympic sport, opening new equipped sports centres. A specialised sports training centre, 15 sports clubs, three schools and a sports development directorate are functioning. Support programmes have been introduced and coaching corps has been trained.

The Prime Minister presented the state flag to two flag-bearers of the national Paralympic team - Asian Paralympic Games medallist, ten-time winner of the Kazakhstan Championship Berik Izmaganbetov (sitting volleyball) and winner of the Kazakhstan Championship Sevda Aliyeva (shooting), who also made a reply.

"Today is a very important day for me. To raise the flag of our country at such a level of competition is a huge responsibility. It is every athlete's dream to participate in the Paralympic Games. We will make every effort to adequately defend the honour of Kazakhstan. Our hearts are filled with love for our homeland and a great desire to win," Berik Izmaganbetov said.

"Each of us has travelled a long way, overcome many trials to be here. But we know that behind us is a whole country that believes in us and supports us at every step. We are ready to fight to the end. We promise to do everything to make the anthem of Kazakhstan sound proud at the Paralympic Games," Sevda Aliyeva added.

For reference: 44 Kazakhstani athletes will take part in the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games. Kazakhstan's national team has received 33 licences in 9 sports, including para swimming, para powerlifting, para athletics, para canoeing, para taekwondo, para sitting volleyball, para shooting, para table tennis and para judo. In total, Kazakhstanis have won 7 medals at the Summer Paralympics from 1996 to date.

 

#Olzhas Bektenov #The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan #Sports