Almaty, Kazakhstan, June 27, 2021: Young children and new-born babies were part of the National Olympic Committee of Kazakhstan’s Olympic Day 2021 celebrations last week.
The Kazakhstan NOC and UNESCO have for many years jointly celebrated Olympic Day among children with special needs. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, this year was no exception.
Children from the Children’s Hospice in Almaty met a number of famous Kazakhstan athletes and champions, to listen and exchange stories, and be recharged with new energy and motivation in the fight against cancer.
London 2012 Olympic gold medallist boxer Serik Sapiyev, who is also a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, told the children about the main principles of the Olympic Movement – honesty, justice and mutual understanding – and the true secret of being an Olympic champion which is to keep fighting and never giving up.
Gymnast Alina Adilkhanova, who will be taking part at the Tokyo Olympics, told how the sporting principles of fair play and respect for opponents helped her in life.
Adilkhanova said: “It is important to rejoice at each, and even the smallest victory. All athletes know this and children know it very well. In their spirit, they are real Olympians, heroes and champions. I wish them health, success and congratulations on International Olympic Day.”
All participants were presented with special diplomas and gifts from the Kazakhstan NOC.
Meanwhile all babies born on June 23, Olympic Day, received certificates from the NOC, letters from Olympians and gifts.
About 1,500 parcels were packed in advance and sent to 237 maternity hospitals around the country with a personal message from the NOC: “We wish you a very happy birthday. This day is special for us, too. Today is International Olympic Day when we remind the whole country how important unity, equality and respect for each other are, the values that the Olympic world teaches us.”
The Ministry of Health collaborated in the event with the NOC with leading athletes like Olympic swimmer Dmitry Balandin, judoka Yeldos Smetov, athlete Olga Rypakova and boxer Kamshybek Kunkabayev all sending congratulatory messages by video call.
NOC President Timur Kulibayev said: “This event has become a tradition for our National Olympic Committee. It emphasises the continuity of generations in sports."
