Young Kazakh intellectuals will take part in Mental Arithmetic International Olympiad in Turkey. Participants were selected in the fourth republican Olympiad in Astana. The unusual competition was attended by about 1,000 children between the ages of 5 to 16 years old. They received about 20 gold, 50 bronze and 25 silver medals. According to the organizers, a growing number of children engage in mental arithmetic every year. The new activity helps to develop logic, concentration and other skills. Therefore, there is the question of including mental arithmetic in the school curriculum like in Japan and China.

DANIIL TSUPRUNOV, COMPETITION WINNER:

It helped me to increase my performance at school in mathematics and other subjects. It trains my memory. I have been attending mental arithmetic classes for three years.

BAUYRZHAN BAZYLOV, DIRECTOR, EDUCATIONAL CENTER:

It is useful not only in mathematics but all other spheres – in languages, solving logical tasks. Mental arithmetic activates both hemispheres of the brain.

The organizers say that the participants of the republican Olympiad demonstrated quite high results. Therefore, they hope that the Kazakh school students will win the upcoming competition in Turkey.