INCLUSIVE SPORT: EUROPEAN PRACTICES AND THE KAZAKHSTANI MODEL

A scientific seminar entitled “Inclusive Sport Practices: Insights for Kazakhstan from European Experience” was held at our university within the framework of the Orhun Academic Mobility Programme. The seminar was delivered by Professor Pelin Aksen, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Sport Sciences at Kırıkkale University, Republic of Türkiye.

During the seminar, participants discussed current trends in the development of inclusive sport, ways to expand opportunities for young people with special educational needs to engage in physical activity and sports, and approaches to effectively adapting best European practices to the context of Kazakhstan.

Drawing on international experience and the findings of academic research, Professor Pelin Aksen highlighted effective mechanisms for creating an inclusive sporting environment. She also engaged in an exchange of views with the participants and shared her academic perspectives on current issues in inclusive education and sport.

As part of the meeting, the participants explored the possibility of developing a joint research project focused on the physical activity levels and sports participation of young people with special educational needs in Kazakhstan and Türkiye. This initiative is expected to strengthen academic cooperation between researchers from the two countries and lay the groundwork for joint research in the field of inclusive sport.

At the conclusion of the event, Professor Pelin Aksen was presented with a letter of appreciation on behalf of the University Rector, Zhanar Temirbekova. As a commemorative gift, she also received a book featuring Turkish translations by Erzhan Artynbayev of poems dedicated to Olympic champion Bekzat Sattarkhanov.

The scientific seminar provided a valuable opportunity to exchange international expertise in inclusive sport, establish new academic connections, and identify перспективе areas for further academic cooperation between Kazakhstan and Türkiye.