Naryn, Kyrgyz Republic, 31 August 2012 — The University of Central Asia (UCA) inaugurated international standard football and tennis facilities at its Naryn Campus as part of the Kyrgyz Republic's Independence Day celebrations today.

Kanatbek Muratbekov, Authorised Naryn Representative of the Government; Baatyrbek Jeenaliev, Naryn Mayor, AKDN and town officials and other townspeople were also present, were present to witness the facility’s inaugural soccer tournament between teams from the Governor's and Mayor's Office and UCA and Tosh Bulak village.

"This is yet another important stepping stone in the history of this University. Besides offering an international quality standard of education, our underlying mission is to provide opportunities for the community to engage with the University and have access to our facilities. Today's soccer tournament is a testament of our partnership with both local government and the townspeople," said Dr Krawchenko, UCA Director General.

The football pitch conforms with world football governing body Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) standards and the tennis courts are also of international standards with artificial surface. These facilities were built by residents of Naryn City and Tosh Bulak village, and will be an opportunity to cultivate Central Asian talent.

Also as part of the Naryn Independence Day celebrations, UCA hosted a music concert featuring the Aga Khan Music Initiative's Ustat Shakirt ensemble who were joined by Naryn performers, Askat Musabekov and Zalena Kasymova.

The 45-min programme was part of the official state celebrations with the University's School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE) (Naryn) participating in a parade with other local and international organizations.

"In May 2011, SPCE opened its state of the art town campus facilities offering continuing education to the Naryn population. This is another opportunity for UCA to offer international standard sports facilities for the community," said Anara Duisheeva, Acting Head of Campus, SPCE Naryn.

The University of Central Asia (UCA) – a secular and private university- was founded by the Presidents of Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan following the joint signing of an International Treaty and Charter. The treaty has been ratified by the respective parliaments, and registered with the United Nations. UCA brings with it the commitment and partnership of the broader Aga Khan Development Network.

For further information please contact:

Nisar Keshvani
University of Central Asia
138 Toktogul Street, 720001 Bishkek
Kyrgyz Republic
Mobile: +996 (0) 770 822 851
Email: communications@ucentralasia.org

Anna Vorobeva
Aga Khan Development Network
Representation, Kyrgyz Republic
80, Tynystanov Street, Kyrgyz Republic
Mobile: +996 772 533 726
E-mail: anna.vorobeva@akdn.org

Notes:

The University of Central Asia
The University of Central Asia (UCA) was founded in 2000. The Presidents of Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan, signed the International Treaty and Charter establishing this secular and private University; ratified by the respective parliaments, and registered with the United Nations. UCA brings with it the commitment and partnership of the broader Aga Khan Development Network. For more information on UCA, please visit website at www.ucentralasia.org.

The Aga Khan Development Network
His Highness the Aga Khan is founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of private, non-denominational development agencies working to empower communities and individuals to improve living conditions and opportunities, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East. The Network’s nine development agencies focus on social, cultural and economic development for all citizens, regardless of gender, origin or religion. The AKDN’s underlying ethic is compassion for the vulnerable in society. Its annual budget for non-profit development is US$625 million. In Kyrgyzstan, more than 1,000 people most of who are local citizens are directly employed by AKDN and its various agencies. For more information on AKDN, please visit website at www.akdn.org

Public Union Centre «Ustatshakirt»
Operating since 2005, Public Union Centre «Ustatshakirt» with support of the Aga Khan Music Initiative in Central Asia (AКMICA) of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture Programme (www.akdn.org/Music/Musicin.htm). The Centre’s mission is to preserve and develop Kyrgyz musical heritage through traditional system of knowledge and skills transfer «ustat-shakirt» - that is from teacher to student. The Centre has branches in Issyk Kul, Naryn, Osh, Talas and Chui Oblasts. The programme is implemented with the application of unique methodologies of Kyrgyz musicians. Musicians of the Centre have successfully performed as part of the Tenir Too ensemble worldwide. The Centre also works closely with local and international partners worldwide.

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