To sports – without barriers

Governor of the region Gali Iskaliev visited the sports club for people with disabilities, where Paralympic athletes train and prepare for the upcoming Championships, as well as physical fitness classes for people with special needs.

Previously, the sports club was located in the building of the Zenit recreation center, now it has moved to a two-story cozy building on the sports base of the P. Atoyan stadium, which meets all the necessary technical requirements.

The Governor of the region was shown a gym with all the necessary equipment, a shooting hall. On the second floor there is a martial arts hall, a shower room, and an athletics arena. Training sessions are conducted by qualified trainers-teachers with experience.

The sports club, which has been operating for the fourth year, has 30 employees and more than 200 athletes, including five international-level athletes, eight masters of sports, and 18 candidates for master of sports. During the current year, they won six gold, five silver and five bronze medals at various competitions.

– In October last year, at a meeting with athletes, coach Azon Shaimardanov voiced A request to create conditions for people with disabilities to play sports. Until that time, athletes were engaged in an old unsuitable room. The equipment was of poor quality. Now they train in good conditions. Of course, we can't say that the needs are completely closed. Additional equipment is required. Nevertheless, the athletes themselves are happy and Express their appreciation. It is our duty to give them attention and every possible assistance to such people. Yes, they are physically limited, but they do not lack willpower, perseverance and determination. And this is highly respected. By their example, these people show that in any situation you need to remain a person, lead a healthy lifestyle and take an active civil position, " Gali Iskaliev said.

According to Gulnara Spanova, Deputy Director of the sports club for people with disabilities, the club is developing in 28 sports. 215 people are engaged in professional sports, and 412 are sports enthusiasts.

– There are no age restrictions in our club, the main focus is on the development of Paralympic sports. At this time, we are recruiting children – from four years old. After all, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan K. Tokayev instructed to involve young people in sports, – says Gulnara Spanova. – Our club needs a classifier-a specialist who carries out the classification of disabled athletes according to their level of functionality, so that they can compete with other disabled athletes who have a similar level of functionality. A qualified doctor must have a special education. Unfortunately, there are no such specialists in our field. We need doctors who are ready to undergo special training abroad, and therefore we need a decent salary.

The founder of the club, the current senior coach of the club Azon Shaimardanov said that 50 children under 14 years of age are engaged in the club. Training sessions are conducted every day according to an enhanced program. Last year, the children's team from Uralsk took second place in the championship of Kazakhstan out of 18 teams.

– We are grateful for the support of the regional administration. Currently, we receive calls from entrepreneurs and offer the room. But we answer that we are already busy, " Azon Shaimardanov smiles. – Now our athletes need traction racks, benches and small sports equipment. But racks are very expensive, so all hope for sponsors.

Abubakir Medetov, a disabled athlete of the second group, has been playing sitting volleyball since 2011.

– Last year, we took fourth place at the Kazakhstan sitting volleyball championship. At the moment, I am actively preparing for the upcoming championship of Kazakhstan, which will be held next year. I am a father of five children, disabled from birth. I recently had a daughter, " Abubakir shared his joy.

Arailym Bekkaliev,

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