Andrew Parsons meets Kazakhstan PM

International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons has travelled to Astana, Kazahkstan, to visit the National Paralympic Training Centre and meet with the country’s Prime Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev.

“We want to thank the Prime Minister for the support provided by your country in the development of Paralympic sports in Kazakhstan as well as [for his time to] discuss future plans and talk about the general situation,” Parsons said ahead of the meeting on Thursday (31 January).

Parsons has already attended a meeting with Minister of Culture and Sports Arystanbek Mukhamediuly, Astana Deputy Mayor Yermek Amanshayev, Olympic champion and Chairman of the Sports and Physical Culture Committee Serik Sapiev, Rio 2016 swimming gold medallist Zulfiya Gabidullina and PyeongChang 2018 cross-country skiing champion Alexander Kolyadin.

They discussed the development of the Paralympic Movement across the country and the preparations for the 2019 World Para Powerlifting World Championships in Astana, between 12 and 20 July.

Parsons said: “This is my first time in Kazakhstan. I have visited many centers in the world and in few places have seen such wonderful facilities as at your training centre for Para athletes and people with disabilities.

“Here everything is built according to world standards of accessibility. And, in my opinion, when a country succeeds, it pays great attention to protecting the rights of people with disabilities. We know how important the rights of people with disabilities are in Kazakhstan.

“Our visit is so important for us to support the National Paralympic Committee, Para sport, Para athletes and infrastructure development.”