World Nomad Games in Kazakhstan. (Archive) UNICEF has become an official partner of the 5th World Nomad Games Culture and education
Today in Astana, representatives of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Kazakhstan and the organizers of the 5th World Nomad Games signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This document marked the beginning of a collaboration aimed at promoting inclusivity and protecting children’s rights in one of the most significant sporting events of the year. Thus, UNICEF became the official non-profit partner of the games.
“Traditional national games have enormous educational potential; they have everything for the successful development of a child. They help expand children’s understanding of their native culture and pass on the social experience of the people from generation to generation. We are very pleased to see UNICEF, the international UN Children’s Fund, as our partners. This gives the 5th Games a special status and prioritizes the family values of our people,” said Nail Nurov, head of the directorate for preparation and holding of the games.
The World Nomad Games will be held from September 8 to 13, 2024 in Astana and will gather about 2,500 participants from 89 countries. 21 sports will be presented at the competition.
Nurov emphasized that cooperation with UNICEF will help make the games not only spectacular, but also safe and accessible for children. So, admission for children under six years old will be free, and children from 6 to 18 years old can attend the World Nomad Games with a 50 percent discount.
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Sport is important in the lives of children, they note at UNICEF. They promote socialization, improved health and the development of leadership skills.
“The right to play is enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This year Kazakhstan celebrates the 30th anniversary of the ratification of the Convention, and we are very pleased that the World Nomad Games, a major international sporting event, has prioritized this right. Our partnership will allow us to reach out to all adults and encourage them to play with children and pay more attention to them,” said UNICEF Representative in Kazakhstan Rashed Mustafa Sarwar.
The Memorandum includes a wide range of initiatives aimed at raising awareness of children’s rights, ensuring inclusivity and providing technical support in organizing games.
In particular, UNICEF will actively participate in the training of volunteers, as well as conduct educational events and interactive workshops for children and their parents. As part of the scientific program, UNICEF will share international standards and research results on healthy and balanced nutrition for children.