On May 9, an event took place in Berlin that is already being called a turning point for inclusive sports in the region. For the first time, Kazakhstan was represented at a stage of the World Para Swimming Series - one of the most prestigious tournaments in global para-swimming, El.kz reports.
The debut is significant not only for the country but for all of Central Asia: it marks the first time an athlete from the region has competed at such a high-level event, where the world’s strongest para-swimmers traditionally participate.
A Symbolic Date and a Regional First
The date of the event added a layer of special meaning. The competition took place on May 9 - a day traditionally associated in the region with memory, resilience, and overcoming adversity.
Amir Alpamys represented Kazakhstan at the competition. He became the first athlete from Central Asia to compete in a World Para Swimming Series stage.
For him, this was not a story of professional sports starting from early childhood. His path to the international arena was formed gradually - through training, family support, and the work of specialists involved in the development of adaptive sports.
Building a New System for Inclusive Sports
The National Sports Federation for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities plays a key role in athlete preparation. Over several years of work, the organization has established a training system for athletes with intellectual impairments and autism, and has successfully advocated for changes in the regulatory framework of sports.
According to the federation, participation programs for international tournaments were launched in a short period, national and international competitions were held, and a development roadmap through 2032 was established, with a focus on participating in the Paralympic Games.
Kazakhstan has also joined the structure of Virtus, the international federation that operates under the auspices of the International Paralympic Committee and develops various disciplines, from swimming to athletics and table tennis.
Personal Stories of Athletes and Coaches
Of particular importance is the fact that behind these international starts lie not only institutional decisions but also the steady work of coaches and the athletes' families.
Previously, Kazakhstan was represented by athlete Dastan Ordabay, who also traveled the path from amateur sports to international competitions.
The federation’s leadership and coaches emphasize that the key principle of development is consistency. This is not about one-off results, but about forming a sustainable system where athletes can progress from local competitions to world-class tournaments.
The Impact of the Berlin Debut
The performance in Berlin served not only as a sporting debut but also as a demonstration that Kazakhstan is building a full-fledged infrastructure for athletes with intellectual impairments. The federation notes that a development strategy for 2026–2032 is already in place, including preparations for major international competitions, such as the Paralympic Games in Los Angeles and Brisbane.
In the near future, more Kazakhstani athletes are expected to debut in international tournaments in para-table tennis and other disciplines.
