APC bestows highest honour on President of Kazakhstan

The Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) President Majid Rashed, presented the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr. Nursultan Nazarbayev with the Asian Order of Honour in recognition of his support for the Paralympic movement in Kazakhstan.

The award was made at a ceremony to mark the opening of a new 5,000 sq. M. Paralympic Training Centre in Astana.

On presenting the award, the first that the APC has presented, Rashed said, “Government support is vital to helping people with an impairment to lead active lives and contribute to society. Under your leadership, the Paralympic movement in Kazakhstan continues to flourish. The training centre opened today is a testament to the commitment your government is making to support people with an impairment. We would like to recognise that contribution with the awarding of our highest honour, the Asian Order of Honour.”

The design of the training centre was created after studying facilities in Great Britain, the United States, Japan, South Korea and Ileana Rodriguez of the International Paralympic Committee.  It has a sports hall that will be used for sports such as goalball, para-volleyball wheelchair tennis and boccia, a strength and conditioning zone including an area for powerlifting and an area for para-taekwondo. It has a medical unit and is equipped with the latest sport and exercise science technology. With a fully accessible hotel in site, the centre will be used by not just by Paralympians but will be available to all people with an impairment.

Following a tour of the facilities, Rashed commented, “NPC Kazakhstan are to be congratulated for this initiative, which demonstrates their commitment to growing the Paralympic movement in Kazakhstan.

“To develop para-sport and support athletes to become the best that they can be, takes energy, commitment and vision. But without excellent facilities to train in, that effort can be wasted so it’s really fantastic to see what has been built here. I wish everyone who trains here, the best of luck. I’m sure you’ll find this centre an inspiration to help you to achieve your dreams.”

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