1,300 Children from Villages Across Kazakhstan Became the Stars of AUYL SPORT 2024

This weekend, on the eve of the New Year, Almaty became the center of sports inspiration. The final of the republican tournament AUYL SPORT-2024 brought together more than 1,300 young athletes from 17 regions of Kazakhstan. The large-scale event, organized by the Halyk charity foundation of Timur and Dinara Kulibayev, gave children the opportunity to believe in themselves and demonstrate their talent.

AUYL SPORT: the path from the village to big dreams

The AUYL SPORT project started three months ago with regional tournaments, in which more than 12,000 children and teenagers from 200 villages took part. For many of them, this was the first step to the heights of sport.

The tournament organizers created unique conditions for the children: sports equipment, uniform, transportation, accommodation and food – everything was provided so that each child could reveal their potential. The final stage in the Dostyk sports complex in Almaty became a real holiday that the children will remember for a long time.

“AUYL SPORT is more than just a competition. It is a chance for rural children to discover new horizons, believe in themselves and take the first step towards great achievements. We believe in their talent and are ready to support them on their way to their dream,” shared Galymbek Zhaksylykov, director of the Almaty branch of the Halyk Foundation.

The first step to victories

The tournament final included competitions in six disciplines: boxing, wrestling, karate, basketball, volleyball and chess. Many of the guys found themselves in such a large arena for the first time.

“It is often difficult for rural children to participate in major tournaments due to financial difficulties. The support of the Halyk Foundation gave them the opportunity to show themselves and get a taste of high-level competitions. This is important, because many of our Olympic champions come from villages,” said chief judge of freestyle wrestling Berik Shalabayev.

Young wrestler Samir Rakhmanaliev, the winner of the tournament from the Turkestan region, shared his impressions:

“I am immensely happy that I was able to glorify my name and the name of my village! This is my largest sports event, and I thank the organizers for this chance – the emotions are simply indescribable!”

Investing in the Future of Rural Children

Since 2016, the Halyk Charity Foundation has implemented more than 120 social projects totaling 85 billion tenge. The AUYL SPORT project has become one of the foundation’s key initiatives aimed at developing mass sports in rural areas. 500 million tenge were allocated for this project alone.

“Our goal is not just to popularize sports, but also to create equal opportunities for all children, regardless of where they live. We see how such initiatives build confidence and character in young people who will build the future of Kazakhstan,” noted Galymbek Zhaksylykov.

Emotions that change lives

AUYL SPORT became not just a competition for children, but a door to a new world. For many, it was their first visit to a big city, their first encounter with a professional arena, and their first big victories.

“When my son first stepped into the arena in Almaty, his eyes lit up. We are grateful for this opportunity – it changed our lives,” shared Aigul Musayeva, the mother of one of the participants.

AUYL SPORT: Inspiration for the future

The AUYL SPORT-2024 project is a platform that opens up new opportunities and inspires. These children have already proven that perseverance and talent can overcome any boundaries.

“We are sure that among these guys there are future champions. AUYL SPORT is not just a competition, it is a celebration of faith in a better future for our society,” the tournament organizers concluded.