At the opening of the ceremony, the President congratulated all Kazakhstanis on the victorious performance of the national team of Kazakhstan at the XXX Summer Olympic Games in London.
“The kernel of our Olympic triumph of our national team in London lies in three numbers such as ‘Seven’, ‘Thirteen’ and ‘Twelve! Kazakhstani sportsmen won seven gold medals. In comparison with the previous Olympic Games in Beijing, our Olympic golden yield increased by 3.5 times. Like all Kazakhstanis, I was proud, when the State Flag of Kazakhstan had been raised seven times with the State Anthem had been played in honour of the victories of our athletes at the Olympic Games in London. The number ‘Thirteen’ means the total number of all Olympic medals handed to our athletes. Besides gold, we won one silver and five bronze medals. The number ‘Twelve’ means the current Kazakhstan’s position in the Olympic rating”, the head of state highlighted.
The President of Kazakhstan emphasized that the national team has made a great breakthrough having climbed up from the 29th place taken at the Olympic Games in Beijing to the 12th place in the standings of the Olympic Games in London. Kazakhstan became one of the leading sporting nations among 205 national teams. Nursultan Nazarbayev emphasized that it is a huge victory for the whole people of Kazakhstan.
The head of state also stressed that the Olympic triumph of Kazakhstan had three sources. The first one is the government support of the physical culture and sport.
The second source of the victories of the national teams is talent, perseverance, will to victory of every Olympian of Kazakhstan, as well as unrivaled coaching skills.
The third source of Kazakhstan’s Olympic success is the friendship of all nationalities of the country and the unity of the people of Kazakhstan.
“Kazakhstan should become a society of labour. There will no happiness without labour. Everyone must work and earn. The success in sport is also a hard and great work. The victories of the Olympians are an example of hardworking, patriotism and self-belief. These Olympic victories will inspire thousands of young hearts. Kazakhstan brought up 63 winners of the Summer and Winter Olympic Games including 18 Olympic Champions over 20 years of its independence”, the head of state said.
Nursultan Nazarbayev also pointed out that more than 250 thousand children and teenagers participate in sports at 418 Youth and Teens Sports Centers throughout the country.
Following the solemn ceremony, the President handed over the state decorations to the Olympic winners and coaches of the national team.
“I believe that the example of our athletes will bring to the stadiums hundreds of our future champions. World achievement in sports is the best way to present the country’s opportunities. In the 21st century, only a strong and healthy nation can be competitive. That is why I set the task before the Government - to attract 30 percent of the population to physical education and sport by 2020. The success of our athletes is a vivid promotion of a healthy way of life. If each Kazakhstani strives for this goal as our Olympians, Kazakhstan will certainly become a leading and advanced nation”, the President emphasized.
Cyclist Alexander Vinokourov, boxer Serik Sapiyev and weightlifter Ilya Ilyin were awarded the Order of Otan. Olympic champions Svetlana Podobedova, Zulfiya Chinshanlo, Maya Maneza and Olga Rypakova were awarded the Order of Barys of the second degree.
Chairman of the Agency for Physical Culture and Sports Talgat Yermegiyayev was awarded the Order of Parasat.
Bronze winners of the Olympics - wrestler Daniyal Gadzhiyev, boxer Ivan Dychko, wrestler Gyuzel Manyurova, boxer Marina Volnova, wrestler Akzhurek Tanatarov and silver winner of the Games-2012 boxer Adilbek Niyazymbetov were awarded the Order of Kurmet.
Addressing the head of state, the Olympic champion cyclist Alexander Vinokourov noted that he is very happy to be awarded this state prize.
“I am proud of being the first Olympic winner on the first day of the Olympics. I would like to thank Nursultan Abishevich for his support of Pro Team Astana project. I wouldn’t have made these achievements in sport without this team. Today Astana is known all over the world and I will be happy to head this team”, A.Vinokourov underlined.
Two-time Olympic champion Ilya Ilyin emphasized that he would like to congratulate all the people of Kazakhstan on such a great victory in London.
“We have set very high standards for ourselves and will try to do our best in Rio de Janeiro. I am thankful for having such a person as you, Nursultan Abishevich, in my life. You are a hero, a champion and a man who always supports when you need it. I hope we will win the third gold medal at the next Olympics in Rio de Janeiro,” Ilya Ilyin said at the ceremony.
Olympic Triple Jump Champion Olga Rypakova underlined that it is a great honour for her to attend this ceremony. She felt the same feeling when she became an Olympic champion.
“I was honored to present my motherland Kazakhstan at the Games. We proved that there is nothing impossible for Kazakhstani girls especially when they are support by the whole country”, Olga Rypakova said.
Bronze winners of the Olympics Marina Volnova and Akzhurek Tanatarov thanked the President for his support to the development of sport in the country.
Captain of the Olympic team of Kazakhstan, boxer Serik Sapiyev said that four years ago the President of Kazakhstan encouraged him with his support and gave incentives to achieve his goal.
At the end of the ceremony, a concert dedicated to the athletes of the national team was held.
