Not Your Average Children's Tournament: A Overview of the Zhailjau Charity Open Tournament
Training facility debuts in Almaty
Stepping into June 1st in Almaty, Kazakhstan took a turn for the cool and classy with the Zhailjau Charity Open Tournament. Held in honor of Children's Day, this event was no ordinary kids' competition; it was a blend of sports and family fun, put together by the Kazakhstan Golf Federation with a helping hand from the Eurasian Bank. The day also served as the grand opening of the sparkling new building of the Children's Golf Academy - a heaven-sent spot for young golf enthusiasts.
Fun for the Whole Family
The scene was set for a fantastic day, with around 90 kids putting their skills to the test on the field. For some, it was their first foray into the world of sports, while others already had a bit of experience under their belts. While some competitors battled it out, others indulged in masterclasses, gave golf a go, and snatched prizes in interactive zones. It was a day that conjured the very essence of family bonding, and for those who showed true grit, a first taste of high-stakes sports.
A New Era for Young Golfers
The unveiling of the Children's Golf Academy's swanky new building was one of the highlights of the day. Directed by Ilya Svidchenko, the academy was founded in 2023 and took Kazakhstan’s young golfers by storm: during its first year, it received a whopping 760 applications with 200 kids making the cut based on selection criteria. Another 180 kids were trained in 2024, and currently, approximately 100 children aged 7 to 15 regularly attend lessons.
In Ilya Svidchenko's words, "The road to golf, like any professional sport, is long. Children need consistent, sustained training. Before, we juggled winter training in other clubs, but now, we can prepare here, in the academy's fabulous new building."
Some students attend the academy on a free basis, including children with special educational needs. The academy already boasts of international championship winners, and its popularity is on the rise. Their upcoming schedule includes the Kazakhstan Championship and Kostanai tournaments in June, competitions in Borovoe in July, and an international tournament in August. The season will conclude with a trip to Uzbekistan.
Partnership With Eurasian Bank
The Eurasian Bank has been a firm supporter of the golf federation for years, aiding not only in tournament organization but also in infrastructure development and systematic training programs.
"We're witnessing golf becoming increasingly popular among kids and parents. It's essential for us to back initiatives that foster sports from childhood, with regular training, guidance, and results. It's about development that really counts," highlighted Aigul Arystanbekova, Managing Director of Private Banking at Eurasian Bank.
Photo: Kazakhstan Golf Federation
Critics might argue that golf is more of a playground for the rich with sky-high club prices, but the Zhailjau Charity Open Tournament in Almaty hinted at a more inclusive vision of the sport. If you're in Almaty and have a hankering for golf, there seems to be a welcoming space for enthusiasts, regardless of their financial status.
Golf enthusiasts of all ages participated in the family-friendly atmosphere at the Zhailjau Charity Open Tournament, where some children were trying their hand at sports for the first time while others honed their skills.
The unveiling of the swanky new building of the Children's Golf Academy, directed by Ilya Svidchenko, offers a promising future for Kazakhstan's young golfers, providing consistent training and nurturing talent, even offering scholarships to children with special educational needs.
