The opening ceremony of the VI Winter Spartakiad of the Republic of Kazakhstan was held at the Olympic training center for winter sports in Shchuchinsk. Before the opening ceremony, the first freestyle sprint competitions were held and the winners were determined.
 
The strongest skiers of the country will compete for the title of Spartakiad champion in the competition, which will continue until March 25. The Spartakiad, organized once in four years, is one of the largest sports events in the country and is considered the selection period for the national team for the Olympic Games.

At the opening ceremony: Deputy Akim of Akmola Region Dosulan Aitbaev,
Deputy Chairman of the Physical Education and Sports Committee Nurlan Esembaev, Akim of Burabay District Aray Sadykov, Vice President of the National Ski Federation of Kazakhstan Dimash Khasenov. participated.
 
Nurlan Esembaev, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Physical Education and Sports Affairs:

"President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev always emphasizes the importance of mass sports. This is the main factor in raising a healthy young generation and strengthening the well-being of the nation. Today, 13 winter Olympic sports are actively developing in Kazakhstan. More than 139,000 athletes are training in this direction. The national team consists of 1,265 athletes and their number is increasing every year. The Spartakiad introduces new names and gives new impetus to the development of winter sports. I wish all participants good luck and bright victories!"

FIRST WINNERS:
According to the results of the freestyle sprint, the first finalists were determined:
 
Men:
​1.​Sviatoslav Matasov (Akmola region)
​2.​Konstantin Bortsov (Akmola region)
​3.​Dastan Kalybekov (SKO)
 
Women:
​1.​Nadezhda Stepashkina (Akmola region)
​2.​Ksenia Shalygina (Akmola region)
​3.​Anna Melnik (Akmola region)

At the end of the competition, strong athletes who will defend the country's honor in major international tournaments will be determined. 
 
RACE SCHEDULE
March 18 (Tuesday) - free sprint
March 19 (Wednesday) - classic race
March 21 (Friday) - relay
March 22 (Saturday) - classic team sprint
March 24 (Monday) - mixed relay
25 (Tuesday) - mass start with free ride
 
The video broadcast from the Spartakiad of the Republic of Kazakhstan can be watched live on the YouTube channel of the Olympic Training Center for Winter Sports COP ZVS TV. You can also watch the competition from the stadium. Entry is free.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/sport/press/news/details/960392?lang=kk