Sports Day in Kazakhstan (21/08)

Every third Sunday in August, since 2004, Kazakhstan has celebrated Sports Day, approved by the Decree of the President of the Republic of November 15, 2003.

Deep sports traditions in the Republic arose back in the Soviet period, when the Kazakh SSR gave Soviet sports many talented athletes. It is worth noting that the honoring of athletes in the USSR also took place in August, when Athlete’s Day was celebrated every second Saturday.

Currently, the Government of Kazakhstan pays a lot of attention to the development of sports in the country, its popularization among the population and, first of all, young people. For this purpose, new sports and recreation complexes and stadiums are being built and put into operation, and the number of sports clubs is growing.

Today, different sports are developing in Kazakhstan. Particularly popular sports are boxing, wrestling, weightlifting and athletics, hockey, cycling and others.

Competitions are held in the country, including those of an international nature; Kazakh athletes become constant participants in international championships, world championships, and Olympic Games.

For this purpose, the holiday itself was established, designed to show the younger generation the achievements of Kazakhstan’s athletes, arouse interest in sports and a healthy lifestyle, as well as express gratitude and congratulate athletes, both professional and amateur, and everyone related to sports.

Building a strategy for the country's development, the President of Kazakhstan paid special attention to sports and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, as one of the main factors for the successful development of a healthy nation.

Traditionally, Sports Day is celebrated throughout the country – in all regions there are sports competitions, bike rides, competitions for coaches and teachers of sports clubs and sports educational institutions, demonstration performances by athletes and champions in various sports. People's games and sports competitions in national sports are always of particular interest. Many sports organizations and facilities organize «open days» on Sports Day, attracting the attention of young people. Along with everyone else, Paralympians also take part in sports festive events, showing everyone around them that sport – is an opportunity for development for every person.

Festive events in the cities of the country are not complete without ceremonies for congratulating sports veterans, as well as awarding the winners. The Minister of Sports and Tourism of Kazakhstan, as well as representatives of regional authorities, address the athletes and the younger generation with congratulations and parting words. A festive concert often becomes a wonderful end to Sports Day.

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