NUR-SULTAN – Young Kazakh athletes Aknur Akzharkenova, Lestein Aslambekov, Arua Beikhari, Altynai Kazbekova and Akbota Rysbekova took the medal stand at the Sept. 12 World Para Dance Cup in St. Petersburg, Russia.
“I love dancing, I want to dance all the time! For me, fourth place is a very big achievement, because this is my first time participating in such a big competition. There, I met children from other countries; we talked a lot and even danced together,” said Kazbekova.
Kazbekova just started her second year in elementary school and as much as she enjoys her studies, dancing is her true passion. Her mother, Saltanat, participated in the competition with her to demonstrate her support.
“Altynai has been dancing for two years, but this is the first time we are taking part in such a big competition. My daughter and I won the honourable fourth place in the category ‘Mom and Daughter;’ we did a pair dance. I think this is very important when parents support their children’s hobbies,” she said.
More than 150 dancers from 20 countries, including Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Russia, South Korea and Spain, participated in the World Cup.
The Kazakh children’s trips were made possible through the Young Talents project, part of the Samruk Kazyna Trust Social Projects Development Fund. The goal is to provide travel grants (car or round-trip air or train tickets) to children from socially vulnerable population groups to participate in national and international creative and sporting competitions, Olympiads, scientific conferences and other events.
“This is a special project for us, because thanks to it, young Kazakhs can take part in various competitions, both in the republic and abroad. Parents and caregivers whose children are under the majority age can apply,” said fund general director Diyas Azbergenov.
