DUSHANBE, August 31, 2012, Asia-Plus – On Friday August 31, the University of Central Asia (UCA) inaugurated international standard football and tennis facilities at its Naryn Campus as part of Kyrgyzstan’s Independence Day celebrations, press release issued by UCA said.
Kanatbek Muratbekov, Authorised Naryn Representative of the Government; BaatyrbekJeenaliev, Naryn Mayor, AKDN and town officials and other townspeople were also present to witness the facility’s inaugural soccer tournament between teams from the Governor”s and Mayor”s Office and UCA and Tosh Bulak village
“This is yet another important stepping stone in the history of this University. Besides offering an international quality standard of education, our underlying mission is to provide opportunities for the community to engage with the University and have access to our facilities. Today”s soccer tournament is a testament of our partnership with both local government and the townspeople,” said Dr Krawchenko, UCA Director General.
The football pitch conforms with FIFA standards and the tennis courts are also of international standards with artificial surface. These facilities were built by residents of Naryn City and Tosh Bulak village, and will be an opportunity to cultivate Central Asian talent.
UCA also hosted a music concert featuring the Aga Khan Music Initiative”s Ustat Shakirt ensemble who were joined by Naryn performers, Askat Musabekov and Zalena Kasymova.
The University of Central Asia (UCA) – a secular and private university- was founded by the Presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan in 2000, following the joint signing of an International Treaty and Charter. The treaty has been ratified by the respective parliaments, and registered with the United Nations. UCA brings with it the commitment and partnership of the broader Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
His Highness the Aga Khan is founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of private, non-denominational development agencies working to empower communities and individuals to improve living conditions and opportunities, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East. The Network’s nine development agencies focus on social, cultural and economic development for all citizens, regardless of gender, origin or religion. The AKDN’s underlying ethic is compassion for the vulnerable in society. Its annual budget for non-profit development is US$625 million.
Operating since 2005, Public Union Center “Ustatshakirt” with support of the Aga Khan Music Initiative in Central Asia (AКMICA) of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture Program. The Center’s mission is to preserve and develop Kyrgyz musical heritage through traditional system of knowledge and skills transfer “ustat-shakirt” – that is from teacher to student. The Center has branches in Issyk Kul, Naryn, Osh, Talas and Chui Oblasts. The program is implemented with the application of unique methodologies of Kyrgyz musicians. Musicians of the Center have successfully performed as part of the Tenir Too ensemble worldwide. The Center also works closely with local and international partners worldwide.
