Almaty needs $1 billion to host Universiade-2017

Kazakhstan will spend $950 million on the World Winter Universiade-2017, should Almaty be selected over Trentino, Italy, Tengrinews.kz reports. According to deputy Akim (Mayor) of Almaty Serik Seidumanov, Almaty is well prepared to host sports competitions, as part of sports infrastructure is already in place. “We hosted the Asian Winter Games-2011, that’s why we have all the facilities, they are ready. Almaty has high chances compared to Trentino, that has hosted sports events several times in the past. If our city is selected, we will have to build an ice hockey stadium, two skating rinks, complete the airport’s international terminal, student’s campus and the Athletes Village. All this will cost $950 million in 6 years. This is good for the city, as new jobs will be created and all the facilities will stay in Almaty,” Seidumanov said. According to deputy Akim, the certificate confirming that Almaty is an official candidate for hosting the World Winter Universiade-2017 has been received. Special inspection will be made in the end of October to evaluate the city’s preparedness for the Universiade. The winner city will be announced on November 29. Kazakhstan hosted the 7th Asian Winter Games-2011. The event was held in two cities: Almaty and Astana on January 30 - February 6. Kazakhstan sportsmen won the most number of medals in the Games. By Roza Yessenkulova