Astana’s para-swimmers grab medals at U.S. Open National Championship
The Kazakh capital’s para-swimmers have won big at the USADSS & AWL 2024 Open National Championship in Orlando, Florida, Kazinform News Agency has learnt from the official website of the Astana akimat.
The para-swimming competition held in Orlando (USA) is one of the most significant events for swimmers with intellectual impairments, including intellectual disability. The competition was held among athletes in three categories:
● II-1: Intellectual Disability (IQ of 75 or lower and significant limitations in Adaptive Behavior);
● II-2: Additional Impairment/Down Syndrome;
● II-3: Autism (ASD).
Para-athletes from Kazakhstan participated in the U.S. Open Championships for the first time this year. The competition brought together over 100 athletes from eight countries, including Kazakhstan, the United States, Canada, Colombia, Mexico, Japan, Portugal, Australia and Poland.
Two pairs of athletes from Astana, Kazakhstan, represented the country in category II-3. Valeriy Yugay competed in the U17 group, while Alpamys Amir competed in the U18 group.
They took prizes in various disciplines:
● 50m freestyle - 1st place Valeriy Yugay and 3rd place Alpamys Amir;
● 100m freestyle - 1st place Valeriy Yugay and 6th place Alpamys Amir;
● 200 m freestyle - 2nd place Valeriy Yugay and 4th place Alpamys Amir;
● 400 m freestyle - 1st place Valeriy Yugay and 3rd place Alpamys Amir;
● 800m freestyle - 3rd place Alpamys Amir.
The athletes under the guidance of coach Yernur Sailaubek have undergone rigorous training, which has equipped them with the knowledge and expertise to represent Kazakhstan with dignity and showcase their abilities on an international scale.
“We are proud that our para-athletes were able to qualify and successfully compete in the final heats in all disciplines, thereby grabbing medals for Kazakhstan. Following their success in Orlando, the team will now focus on preparing for new challenges in 2025. These include the Virtus World Swimming Championships in Thailand and the 2025 Tashkent Asian Youth Para Games,” Dina Temirgaliyeva, the President of the Federation of Sports for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities, said.
