Less than a week is left before the international student games in Almaty. The local craftsmen are actively participating in preparations to the large-scale sporting events. They have already arriving in Almaty and showcasing their products in the shopping and entertainment centers, so that the Universiade guests could buy souvenirs from Kazakhstan. All souvenir pieces and jewelry are handmade. More than 100 craftsmen across the country are expected to participate in the fair. They will showcase unique pieces until the end of the Universiade.

KURALAY MUKHAMEDZHANOVA, CERAMIST:

Guests from across the world will arrive in Almaty. They will show the sporting results, and we want to present our souvenirs so that the guests remembered about Kazakhstan.

The city authorities are preparing for the Universiade. City mayor Bauyrzhan Baibek told about the changes in Almaty ahead of the competition. Much attention is paid to traffic. During the Universiade, city streets will be unloaded to the maximum. According to the calculations of Almaty mayor’s office, during the Universiade, the city will host 5,000 foreign guests that will provide income for small and medium enterprises worth 2 billion tenge. In addition, athletes will pay 1 million euros for accommodation in the Athletic Village.

BAUYRZHAN BAIBEK, MAYOR OF ALMATY:

It was decided to give school students extra vacation for the convenience of the city residents and guests. This will give 30% unloading of the streets.

According to the Kazakh Minister of Information and Communications, the Universiade will be broadcast in 80 countries across the world. Estimated audience will total nearly one billion people.

DAUREN ABAYEV, KAZAKH MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS:

TV channels Kazsport, Khabar and Kazakhstan will be the national broadcasters of the Universiade in Kazakhstan. More than 200 broadcasts are expected.

Delegations of the Universiade participants are arriving in Almaty. 7,500 police officers and military personnel will ensure the safety of the citizens and visitors.