In Kuzbass the countdown to the 2nd Winter Children of Asia International Sports Games 2023 has launched. The Games will be held in the region from February 23 to March 5, 2023. It is less than a year before the opening ceremony.
The countdown t the Games 2023 started simultaneously in four host cities of Kemerovo region: Kemerovo, Novokuznetsk, Mezhdurechensk and Tashtagol district. The activity called «Recharging Children of Asia» was held as a part of the ceremony. The well-known athletes of Kuzbass carried out public morning exercises in which the Olympians, participants of the upcoming Games and fans of healthy and active lifestyle participated.
Mr. Vladimir Maksimov, President of the Children of Asia Games International Committee gave a speech at the opening ceremony: «It is less than a year before Kuzbass welcome young athletes – future champions. We will witness competitions, appearance of new sport stars and, above all, friendship between all children who live on the Asian continent».
Representatives of the Children of Asia Games International Committee conducted activities not only in Kemerovo but also in other cities. For instance, Mr. Azat Myradov, Vice-President of Children of Asia Games International Committee, member of the Executive Board of Olympic Council of Asia, examined sports venues and places of accommodation in Novokuznetsk which will be hosting ice hockey and figure skating competitions.
In Tashtagol region, Mr. Marat Bariev, Vice-President of Children of Asia Games International Committee, participated in the clock launch ceremony. According to him «The Games, in which children from dozens of Asian countries will participate, are intended to unite. The Games promotes friendly relations between athletes that in turn will be a contribution to strengthening of Peace and to development of international and cultural relations».
Mr. Ivan Shelomov, Head of the Organizing Department of Children of Asia Games Committee, carried out a working trip in Mezhdurechensk. The representatives of the Committee reviewed the process of preparation to the Games and made some recommendations.
In Kuzbass Ice Palace hosted the online Chefs de Mission Seminar. The representatives of countries and regions of Asia, Government of Kuzbass and members of Children of Asia Games International Committee participated in the Seminar. In general, the Conference was attended by the delegates from 16 participating countries.
Mr. Sergey Alekseev, Deputy Chair of Kuzbass Government noted a high interest of countries in the upcoming Games. He also reported on progress in preparing a large-scale event. «We construct sports venues in order to use them even after the Games. Moreover, we will hold competitions using existing infrastructure which is actively modernized. In Kemerovo region many sports are connected with age-old traditions. That’s why, today, it is important not only to reconstruct venues, to make them modern equipped for the Games but also to create a heritage for decades to come. In future, even after the Games, people will visit these venues and engage in sports».
The mandatory program of the 2nd Winter Children of Asia International Sports Games 2023 includes such sports as: cross-country skiing, short track, hockey, snowboarding, alpine skiing, figure skating, ski jumping. On the initiative of Kuzbass curling, free style, speed skating are included in the program for the first time. The distinctive feature of the Games in Kuzbass will be demonstrative competitions in snow volleyball and cyber sport.
More than that it is planned to implement an educational project for development of winter sports in Kemerovo region. It is a unique program which will enable young athletes to improve their sport skills before the 2nd Winter Children of Asia International Sports Games 2023.
Mr. Vladimir Maksimov, President of the Children of Asia Games International Committee, expressed his gratitude to the leadership of Kuzbass for readiness to implement projects for development of winter sports. A range of training events will be held in the region. For example, the team of young ice hockey players from Uzbekistan will arrive to Kuzbass on March 25. Even now, countries continue to confirm their readiness to participate in the upcoming Games, in particular, the UAE announced that 19 athletes will represent their country in Kuzbass.
For the reference. More than 500 volunteers will be enlisted in preparation for the competitions. In summer 2022 the best representatives of the volunteer movement of Kuzbass will attend the 7th Children of Asia International Sports Games in Vladivostok, where they can gain invaluable experience and adopt best practices.
Nowadays, the issue of launching a special train for participants and guests of the competitions is under active consideration. This train will provide fast and safe movement between host cities. In addition, during the Games a system of shuttles with convenient itineraries will function.