“Strength Lives in Everyone”: Kazakh Paralympians Meet Children at Almaty Boarding School

Children from Special Boarding School No. 2 for students with musculoskeletal disabilities in Almaty met with Kazakhstan’s Paralympians, representatives of the National Paralympic Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and partners of the initiative, Chery Kazakhstan, part of Astana Motors.

The athletes included 2026 Winter Paralympic champion in para cross-country skiing Erbol Khamitov, bronze medallist at the 2022 Paralympic Games Alexander Gerlits, Paralympic medallist and Asian Para Games champion Dastan Mukashbekov, five-time World Champion in para arm wrestling Nikita Yermakov, Paris 2024 Paralympic athlete and Kazakhstan’s flag bearer Sevda Aliyeva, and World Junior Championships para powerlifting medallist Vazir Nadyrov.

One of the most emotional moments of the event came when Erbol Khamitov lifted a young pupil into his arms so the child could ask the champions a question he had been eager to share.

The athletes spoke about their journeys in sport, their first victories, the challenges they had overcome, and how sport helped them develop confidence, discipline and resilience. The children asked questions about training, competitions and the daily life of elite athletes.

Erbol Khamitov said:
“As long as your heart is beating, everything is possible. The most important thing is to believe, work hard, stay patient and never give up.”

Dastan Mukashbekov said:
“Believe in yourself and always have a goal. If you truly want something, you will achieve it. What matters most is determination and the courage to keep moving towards your dream.”

Alexander Gerlits said:
“Today the children saw real examples of how perseverance, hard work and discipline help people achieve their goals. I hope our meeting inspired them to take up sport, keep developing themselves and never give up on their dreams.”

Sevda Aliyeva said:
“I truly enjoyed meeting the children today. I sincerely hope our stories inspired them to grow, believe in themselves and keep moving forward despite any challenges. Meetings like this remind us how important it is to support one another and share our experiences. Thank you to every child for your sincerity, curiosity and the warm atmosphere.”

Nikita Yermakov said:
“Today’s meeting reminded us of one simple truth: strength lives in every one of us. Some people need support, others need belief. And sometimes all it takes is someone beside you saying, ‘You can do it.’ That is how we help each other become stronger. I was honoured to be part of your wonderful family, even if only for one day.”

Vazir Nadyrov said:
“Today’s meeting brought many warm emotions and became a source of motivation for all of us. It was a pleasure to meet such sincere and kind-hearted children. I hope our conversation encouraged them to believe in themselves and confidently pursue their dreams. Thank you for your smiles, kindness and the unforgettable atmosphere.”
 

The pupils prepared a musical performance for their guests. At the end of the event, the athletes signed a commemorative T-shirt, presented gifts from Chery Kazakhstan and Astana Motors, and joined the children for a group photograph.

Astana Motors has supported Special Boarding School No. 2 for children with musculoskeletal disabilities for more than 20 years. Chery Kazakhstan, part of Astana Motors, is also a key partner of the National Paralympic Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan and has provided annual charitable support of KZT 147 million since 2025. Including athlete incentive awards, the company’s total contribution to Kazakhstan’s Paralympic movement over two years will reach KZT 386.5 million.

In April, Astana Motors founder Nurlan Smagulov congratulated Kazakhstan’s Paralympic team on its successful performance at the Winter Paralympic Games in Italy. Athletes received cash awards, while Paralympic champion Erbol Khamitov was presented with a Chery Tiggo 7.

In Kazakhstan, the Chery brand has also introduced the global Chery Family Care service programme for vehicle owners. The initiative is focused on after-sales service and long-term customer support.