A meeting of leaders of ministries and agencies responsible for the development of physical culture and sports of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states took place in Almaty. Participants discussed important issues regarding the further development and strengthening of partnerships between SCO member states, El.kz reports citing the press service of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Minister of Tourism and Sports of Kazakhstan, Ermek Marzhikpayev, emphasized in his speech that sports is one of the key areas of cooperation within the SCO. Kazakhstan actively strives to contribute to the development of sports within the organization.
"Today, during this meeting, we have a unique opportunity to share our experiences and visions for the further development of physical culture and sports. By exchanging experiences and discussing new initiatives, we collectively shape the sports agenda not only within the organization but also globally. Our athletes are main competitors in the sports arena. But it is this spirit of sporting competition that contributes to our progress."
Minister Marzhikpayev also highlighted the importance of developing mass sports in Kazakhstan as one of the key directions of state policy. Currently, 40.4% of the total population of Kazakhstan systematically engage in physical culture and sports.
Starting from 2021, Kazakhstan has implemented a state sports order for the per capita funding of children and youth sports sections, enabling 240,000 children and teenagers to attend more than 7,000 sports sections for free.
In 2023, Kazakh athletes conducted over 50 training camps in SCO member states. Ideas were presented at the meeting for joint training camps, as well as discussions on cooperation and exchange of experiences in sports medicine and science.
In conclusion of his speech, Ermek Marzhikpayev invited leaders of ministries and agencies responsible for the development of physical culture and sports of SCO member states to attend the 5th World Nomad Games. This major event will take place from September 8 to 13, 2024, in the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana.