The city sports tournament “Fit4Life UClubs Cup” was held in Almaty, which became a vivid example of how sports can unite young people around the values of a healthy lifestyle, leadership and sustainable development.

The tournament was held on April 25, 2026 and brought together 64 participants from 8 UNESCO Clubs in Almaty aged 13 to 18 years. The organizers were the Kazakhstan National Federation of UNESCO Clubs together with the mountain resort Shymbulak - UNESCO Club with the support of Tamos Education - UNESCO Club.

The competitions were held in the format of a volleyball tournament among mixed teams - a unique model in which boys and girls play at the same time on the court. This approach not only enhances team dynamics, but also reflects key principles of inclusion and equal opportunity.

Among the participants are UNESCO Clubs of Almaty, representing leading educational institutions and organizations, including SDL School, Tamos Education, Republican Physics and Mathematics School, Alemmedia, Almaty College of Decorative and Applied Arts named after Oral Tansykbayev, Q University, Elite Kazakh School “ZAMAN”, as well as P. Tchaikovsky Almaty Music College.

The key event of the program was the leadership session with Nariman Kurbanov - Ambassador of UNESCO Clubs of Kazakhstan, silver medalist of the 2024 Olympic Games and three-time champion of Asia. The meeting caused a lively response from the participants and became an important motivational element of the tournament.

As the Ambassador of UNESCO Clubs of Kazakhstan, I am sincerely proud that the Kazakhstan National Federation of UNESCO Clubs together with the Clubs create such initiatives. It's more than a sport - it's a space where character is formed, fortitude is hardened and a real sense of team is born. It is here that young people learn to believe in themselves, support each other and take responsibility for their future, said Nariman Kurbanov.

The tournament was implemented as part of UNESCO’s global “Fit for Life” initiative and aims to promote the UN Sustainable Development Goals, in particular the goal of “Good Health and Well-being”.

As the coordinator of the sports commission of the Regional Representative Office of UNESCO Clubs in Almaty, Shymbulak Mountain Resort is pleased to become a co-organizer of the Fit4Life UClubs Cup tournament. Sport and physical activity is an important part of the spirit of Shymbulak – we have various competitions at the resort, both in ski sports, and various races, hiking activities. We are happy to share this energy and bring it to the family of UNESCO Clubs, creating an opportunity for students to express themselves, find new friends and enjoy the atmosphere of competitions, says Makhambet Abdullayev, Head of Shymbulak Outdoor Department at Shymbulak Mountain Resort.

Following a tense and dynamic struggle, the winner of the tournament and the winner of the 1st place was the team of the Republican School of Physics and Mathematics – UNESCO Club. The second place was taken by the team Elite Kazakh school Zaman - UNESCO Club, the third place - the team of the boarding school SDL School - UNESCO Club.

Winners and prize-winners were awarded cups, medals and prizes, but the main result of the tournament was not only the identification of the strongest, but also the formation of strong ties between UNESCO Clubs, the development of youth potential and the strengthening of a culture of healthy lifestyle.