Lausanne, Switzerland, May 18, 2022: Kazakhstan donated the attire of the delegation’s Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games flagbearers to the Olympic Museum’s permanent collection during an official ceremony in Lausanne, Switzerland on Wednesday, May 18.
The handcrafted black costume adorned with Kazakh national gold ornaments was created by a Kazakhstani designer and worn by the national flag bearers, speed skater Yekaterina Aidova and short track athlete Abzal Azhgaliyev, during the Opening Ceremony of Beijing 2022.
Not only was the attire highly admired by the locals, it equally impressed the global community. After this successful appearance, the Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage kindly offered the Kazakhstan NOC to include the costume in the Olympic Museum's collection.
Kazakhstan NOC received the donor’s certificate signed by IOC President Mr. Thomas Bach.
Timur Kulibayev, President of Kazakhstan NOC, said: “The national and cultural heritage is an integral part of the NOC's main priority, which implies the development and protection of the Olympic Movement.
“The Olympic Games today go beyond sports and have unifying power emphasizing the social and cultural aspects. The costume was designed to showcase the richness of history and beauty of Kazakhstan, along with the traditions and values of our people.
“Thanks to the outlook, created by the Kazakhstani designers and presented by Yekaterina and Abzal, the rich Kazakh culture will be preserved in the heart of the Olympic Movement – in Lausanne.”
Patricia Raymond, on behalf of the Olympic Museum, added: “The Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage is delighted to add the magnificent costume worn by Kazakhstani athletes at the Beijing 2022 Opening Ceremony to the IOC artefacts collection.
“The attire will enrich the costume collection of the Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage. It will be conserved with great care and presented in exhibitions in Lausanne and elsewhere around the world.”
Aidova, who also took part in the presentation, said: “When we arrived for the Opening Ceremony, we straight away became the centre of attention. The outfits captivated everyone. A team of talented craftsmen created a true masterpiece.”
Source: @olympic.kz
