International University Sports Federation Supervision Committee. Photo credit: Almaty2017.com
ASTANA – The International University Sports Federation (FISU) supervision committee visited Almaty recently for an inspection, reported the Universiade 2017 organising committee’s press office.
“We came here to inspect the preparation for the Games and to help solve some issues if needed. Today at the beginning of our visit, we had a very fruitful meeting with the organising committee and I was satisfied with the outcome. We were given a good interim report from the organising committee. I can say confidently that my first impression was very good. I have been involved in the preparation of several Universiades and I think that people who are involved in the preparation of this one are doing very well,” said the CSU Chair Marian Dymalski in his interview with almaty2017.com.
Photo credit: Almaty2017.com
The FISU delegation also consisted of Winter Universiade Director Milan Augustin, Administration Director Hedwige Hankart, Education Services Director Kole Gjeloshaj, Development Director Laurent Briel, Branding and Marketing Manager Adelia Faizulina, Executive Assistant Jiho Kim and Assistant Paola Forni.
Augustin said preparations for the Games are proceeding in accordance with the plan. The guests noted progress in different directions such as transportation, accommodation, media, broadcasting and ICT, sports and medical services, test events, ceremonies and venues management.
“We hope that the more than 60 countries that have registered to participate in the Winter Universiade will be very satisfied with the work of the organising committee and the Winter Universiade 2017 itself. Kazakhstan is also a large country in terms of sports. There are many Olympic medalists and I think that during the Universiade you will show a good side of your country and this Universiade will be one of the best in the history of FISU,” said Augustin.
Photo credit: Almaty2017.com
The delegation visited the Universiade venue building sites, such as the Ice Palace with a capacity of 12,000, Ice Arena with 3,000 seats and Athletes’ Village, as well as sports venues such as Baluan Sholak Sports Palace, Sunkar International Ski Jumping Complex, Medeu High-Mountain Ice Rink, Shymbulak Ski Resort and Alatau Cross-Country Skiing and Biathlon Stadium.
“It is very important to focus on outdoor sports now, because they depend on the weather conditions and a snow making system may be needed. I am very happy that the National University Federations of Kazakhstan are also involved, which means that they are interested in gaining the experience of the Universiade and possibilities of using them in future,” noted Winter Universiade 2013 in Trentino Executive Advisor and Sport Director Ubaldo Prucker.
In arranging for the Games, functional plans have been developed that describe about 800 processes to prepare for and hold the event, said organising committee Director Asset Abdualiyev.
“The organising committee is currently in its active phase of preparation for the Games and such international expert consultations of the FISU are very important for us in terms of preparation for the biggest sporting event in the history of Kazakhstan. Universiade is a national project which will positively impact on the recognition of Almaty as a tourist and modern city with a rich 1,000-year history,” he said.
The Winter Universiade in Almaty has already reached a record number of participating countries. Sixty-four nations are currently registered for the event, which will be held Jan. 29-Feb. 8, 2017 and include 12 sports disciplines.
