New Year race

Astana, 02 January 2008, (Khabar) - Astana residents celebrated New Year under the motto “Let’s be Healthy!” people skates, drove quadrocycles and bathed in ice hole. Marathon started 1,5 hours before 12 a.m. though temperature was more than -20. Most sporty and active city residents made merry and frolicked like children because they celebrated the most favorite holiday. Route of New Year race seized all the districts of the city and festivities took place everywhere. Stages of race were named after the titles of districts “Yesil”, “Saryarka” and “Almaty”. Mayors of these districts passed the torch and told about the year results.

Sapar Akhmetov, mayor of Almaty district of Astana:
- We held 10th anniversary of capital, it was common event for our city. And the most important, it is founding of one more district “Yesil” on the basis of our. And now I will pass torch to the mayor of this new district.

Participants skated Presidential mile, 2 400 meters, passed on the baton to fans of extreme, capital’s automobilists and cyclists, drove quadrocycles and bathed in icy Ishim River. Race ended several minutes before the coming of New Year and Astana mayor Imangali Tasmagambetov took the baton from racers.

Imangali Tasmagambetov, Astana mayor:
- I think it is very symbolically that we see in New 2009 Year at the main square of our city near New Year tree. And it is not accidental because we are approaching to Asian Games. I think the city that will welcome the sports games of such level must constantly agitate sport.

Sabila Mustafina, mayor of “Saryarka” district of Astana:
- I wish to all of us sound health, prosperity and well being. I wish warmth, cosiness and light to every home and let’s look in future with optimism together with our capital and motherland.

City residents, who gathered at the square, listened to the congratulation of President who was broadcasted on large screen and then congratulated each other on New Year and watched festive salute.