AKIPRESS.COM - The delegation of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) chaired by the recently elected President Oleg Matytsin has visited Kazakhstan to learn about the process of preparations for the Winter Universiade 2017.

During the visit, the delegation met with the head of the Organizing Committee of the Universiade 2017, the Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Dariga Nazarbayeva and mayor of Almaty Bauyrzhan Baibek.

Further steps for preparation of the Winter Universiade were discussed.

“Strong confidence was expressed that event will proceed successfully and Kazakhstan will enter the history of the International Federation as a country and a reliable partner for the organization of another large-scale international sports project," said Oleg Matytsyn.

FISU President noted the importance of Almaty in the Universiade and the high level of development of sports infrastructure.

“Kazakhstan is actively developing sports infrastructure. It is crucial that the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Government and the akimat of Almaty are increasingly focusing on sports and sports’ social component. In this regard, we see that this is a government program; it is aimed at the youth and assumes the use of sports facilities not only within the framework of international competitions, but also the use of facilities by the population of the city, the country, and especially by the younger generation," said Oleg Matytsin.

FISU leaders expressed confidence that the Universiade in Kazakhstan will become a model for the next Winter Games.

On November 29, 2011 the International University Sports Federation announced Almaty as the host city of the 28th Winter Universiade 2017.

The Universiade 2017 will take place in Almaty from January 28 until February 8. 2000 athletes from 55 countries will take part in the Winter Universiade competitions in Almaty. 

The total operating budget of the Universiade has been optimized twice and is about 17 billion tenge.