By Zhandos Baydilda

Three years ago the Olympic flame was brought in Almaty. However, it stayed with us a short time, as was to be sent to the Olympics in Beijing. Now Olympic flame, brought especially for VII Asian Winter Olympic Games to Almaty and Astana, is not only attainment of Almaty citizens but also joy for all Alash public.

It has now become a tradition to hold sightseeing excursions to places where the Olympic flame was. If once the Olympic flame for the first time being on Kazakh soil began its journey from the ice rink "Medeo", this time it was lit at the International springboard in mountain area Remizovki. It was known in advance, 80 people carried it in Almaty. According to the age features they carried it 80 meters, and maximum it was shifted to 200 meters.

Including, some carriers of Olympic cauldron showed their skills as professional athletes, for example, cyclist E.Turubaev, called the youngest of them, was the 31st Olympians who carried cauldron along Satpayeva street by bike and well-known rider-kokparshy, Eldos Tilebaldiev, who annually defend the honor of Almaty city in this competitions rode down Abaya street on his horse. However, more carriers of the Olympic cauldron were famous athletes who defended the honor of the country, journalists covering sport life and news, cultural figures, heads of districts and heads of various city structures. Now we want to focus on impressions, which participants of relay of Asian Games cauldron illuminated the whole land of Kazakhstan, shared with us.

Bolat Zhumadilov, silver winner of two International Olympic Games in boxing, champion of the World:

"In your country the song of sparrow seems like the song of nightingale"

-          The most important thing we should not forget that the VII Asian Winter Games – is the first, unique and great sports event organized in the former Soviet Union after the Moscow Olympic Games in 1980. I am proud of the fact that among all republics gained their independence after collapse of the Soviet Union Kazakhstan has become known around the world as the host of similar games. Our President pays attention not only to economic development but also pays special attention to the development of sport and education of best athletes. Only recently in Astana there was the Summit of Heads of State, which brought together the heads of state of all world countries, now our great city and beautiful capital will unite in its territory thousands of athletes from about 30 countries. I am sure that "at home walls are warm", so Olympians, participating at the Asian Games, will not confound and lie honor of our country, pleasing their fans with excellent results. I believe that the Olympic cauldron relay, its movement across the country is a great omen in development of the idea of ​​the Asian Games. I am happy I was involved in the Olympic cauldron relay in Almaty. I am very grateful to descendants of Aulieata who honor our achievements in sport. For me it is a great honor and a very significant event in my life!

Meyrambek Besbaev, cultural activist, singer of group "Muzart":

This is an unforgettable event!

-          It is definitely a special occasion – holding such a major event, which is demonstrated to the whole world as the Asian Games. I believe that this historic event, which gives strength and spirit, brings joy, brings pride in hearts of our fellow citizens. I am confident that organization of the Olympic Games will be at the highest level, which can be resulted in raising authority of our country in the whole world. I am very happy to participate in the Olympic cauldron relay in my native land. I pay tribute to those who appreciated my work, calling the citizen of its country. Of course, this event, the day I became a member of the Olympic cauldron relay will be memorable day for me, leaving a mark not only in pages of history. I'm very excited; I am impressed by the whole organization, and I was very much enjoyed being involved in this event.

I think our Kazakhstan land will host athletes of world Olympic Games. I hope that athletes competing in these games will make our anthem sound infinitely; our flag will be waved in the forefront. Let the authority of our country strengthens!

Shalabaev Kusman. Let the fire burn in your hearts, the descendants of Alash! // The Almaty akshamy. No. 4 (4406), 15.01.2011

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