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Sports Science for Future Champions: NOC of Kazakhstan and Nazarbayev University sign MoU

L-R: General Secretary of National Olympic Committee of Kazakhstan Zhanar Utesheva and Nazarbayev University (NU) Vice-President, Dean of the School of Medicine. Prof. Massimo Pignatelli

ASTANA, June 24, 2024 - The National Olympic Committee of Kazakhstan and Nazarbayev University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This was done by the General Secretary of NOC of Kazakhstan Zhanar Utesheva, and Nazarbayev University Vice-President, Dean of the School of Medicine. Prof. Massimo Pignatelli.
This collaboration aims to enhance sports science and education, reflecting a shared commitment to developing world-class expertise. Project will train the next generation of sports scientists, coaches, athletes, sports medicine specialists, and administrative personnel, all according to international standards.
Prof. Massimo Pignatelli highlighted the University’s readiness and enthusiasm to embark on this collaborative journey: “Our university is dedicated to advancing research and educational activities that protect athletes’ health, prevent injuries, and improve their performance. This partnership allows us to apply our scientific knowledge and innovative approaches to real-world challenges faced by athletes. We are ready to launch a double degree undergraduate program in Sports sciences and Physiotherapy, implement micro-credential courses for coaches, trainers, and athletes in best practices for health and performance".
“Today, eight students are successfully completing internships in four national federations, working with athletes of national teams. Work in the direction of scientific research in the field of sports medicine and rehabilitation with university staff is underway. We also have projects in the educational sphere that will be aimed at developing athletes and coaches, and we are grateful to the leadership of the University for their initiatives and support,” said Secretary General of the NOC of Kazakhstan Zhanar Utesheva.
The Head of the Athletes' Commission of the NOC of Kazakhstan, Olympic champion, glory sportsmen Olga Rypakova also took part in the event. She noted that during her sports career she was lucky enough to get acquainted with advanced international experience and many specialists in the field of sports, expressing the hope that the signing of the agreement would serve as a breakthrough for the development of sports science and education in Kazakhstan in accordance with international practice.
The partnership also includes hosting joint conferences, symposiums, and master-classes on the University campus, facilitating a robust exchange of knowledge and expertise among sports professionals. Nazarbayev University will support NOC Kazakhstan in hosting a variety of joint events, creating a dynamic environment for academic and practical advancements in sports science and medicine. This memorandum marks a significant milestone in the advancement of sports science and education in Kazakhstan, laying a strong foundation for future growth and success.
This collaboration aims to enhance sports science and education, reflecting a shared commitment to developing world-class expertise. Project will train the next generation of sports scientists, coaches, athletes, sports medicine specialists, and administrative personnel, all according to international standards.
Prof. Massimo Pignatelli highlighted the University’s readiness and enthusiasm to embark on this collaborative journey: “Our university is dedicated to advancing research and educational activities that protect athletes’ health, prevent injuries, and improve their performance. This partnership allows us to apply our scientific knowledge and innovative approaches to real-world challenges faced by athletes. We are ready to launch a double degree undergraduate program in Sports sciences and Physiotherapy, implement micro-credential courses for coaches, trainers, and athletes in best practices for health and performance".
“Today, eight students are successfully completing internships in four national federations, working with athletes of national teams. Work in the direction of scientific research in the field of sports medicine and rehabilitation with university staff is underway. We also have projects in the educational sphere that will be aimed at developing athletes and coaches, and we are grateful to the leadership of the University for their initiatives and support,” said Secretary General of the NOC of Kazakhstan Zhanar Utesheva.
The Head of the Athletes' Commission of the NOC of Kazakhstan, Olympic champion, glory sportsmen Olga Rypakova also took part in the event. She noted that during her sports career she was lucky enough to get acquainted with advanced international experience and many specialists in the field of sports, expressing the hope that the signing of the agreement would serve as a breakthrough for the development of sports science and education in Kazakhstan in accordance with international practice.
The partnership also includes hosting joint conferences, symposiums, and master-classes on the University campus, facilitating a robust exchange of knowledge and expertise among sports professionals. Nazarbayev University will support NOC Kazakhstan in hosting a variety of joint events, creating a dynamic environment for academic and practical advancements in sports science and medicine. This memorandum marks a significant milestone in the advancement of sports science and education in Kazakhstan, laying a strong foundation for future growth and success.
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