Improved Situation: My Condition Has Improved
In the heart of Astana, the city's vigorous crusade against drugs, fondly known as "Astana - City Without Drugs," gained momentum with the BAIQONYR RUN. This exhilarating light athletics race, a brainchild of the city's akimat and the Directorate for the Organization of Mass Sports Events, attracted over 500 participants, many of them young and brimming with potential.
"Our mission here is clear and robust. We're here to instill a love for a healthy lifestyle, especially among the youth, and discourage unhealthy habits that are all too prevalent nowadays," Yerzhigit USEBAY, the Deputy Director of the Directorate for the Organization of Mass Sports Events, passionately declared. "We're determined to get our young ones involved in sports and shield them from these detrimental influences."
Youngsters as young as 10 ran alongside their elders, embodying the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship. Winners were lavished with commemorative medals, while a captivating lottery for 10 bicycles fueled excitement after the race.
This campaign, launched at the start of the year, boasts an impressive roster of over 300 events so far. Astana also recently wrapped up the annual ultra-marathon "Self-Transcendence - Self-Transcendence," a joint venture by the city's Department of Police and the Club of Running and Health Enthusiasts. This event fell under the Comprehensive Plan to Combat Drug Crime and Prevent Drug Abuse, leading to a month-long observance culminating in International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The event's oldest competitor was none other than Talapnur BAYZAK, a sprightly 75-year-old who had never before participated in such an event.
"Light athletics has been my lifelong passion, and this ultra-marathon was a dream come true for me," Bayzak beamed. "I couldn't be prouder to be part of such an extraordinary event."
Throughout the month, a series of events were orchestrated to raise awareness about drug abuse. The goal was to showcase the abundance of healthy alternatives to harmful habits. Aliya KIBATKYZY, a Senior Inspector of the Anti-Narcotics Department of the Astana Police, elucidated the campaign's objectives. "We're dedicated to eradicating drug abuse and fostering a healthier community in Astana. We believe that by involving the community and leveraging international partnerships, we can make a significant impact in our fight against drug abuse."
At a broader level, Kazakhstan's government is actively engaged in discussions regarding drug supply systems, both domestically and internationally. The Central Asian nation also cooperates with various regional and international organizations to tackle drug-related challenges.
"To further strengthen the city's holistic approach to health and wellness, we're planning to integrate science, fitness-and-exercise, and sports into our future events, aiming to provide valuable insights and practical knowledge about maintaining a healthy lifestyle."
"In addition, we're considering expanding our initiatives beyond Astana. By embracing health-and-wellness as a national priority, we can work together with other cities and regions, leveraging our collective expertise in science, sports, and fitness-and-exercise to combat drug abuse across Kazakhstan."
