Dastan Ordabay writes his legend at GG2023

/in , /by

The people of Kazakhstan eagerly cheered for their two athletes as they proudly represented their country for the first time in the Virtus event. Anticipation was high for their performance, with hopes of achieving medals, and their expectations were met.

II3 cyclist, Dastan Ordabay won the country’s first medal, Silver in Individual pursuit 4000m in Bourges, France. Soon after, he went on to grab three silvers in Individual pursuit 4000m, 1000m Time Trial, Individual Sprint 200 and Classment H-II3.

“I am very happy, This medal was unexpected for me. I won for my country Kazakhstan”, said, Dastan.

The sixteen-year-old Dastan has been cycling since his childhood but started track cycling only three years ago.

Kazakhstan being one of the newest Virtus members who joined the family in March 2023, Dastan’s victory was a magical moment for the entire country. Talking to Virtus, Kazakhstan’s head of Delegation, Dina Temirgaliyeva says,

“We were only planning to be at the games, experience it for the first time, learn from other teams and only dreamt about a medal, but Dastan wrote his legend here in GG2023. He won the medals not just for himself, but also for children with intellectual impairments or autism in Kazakhstan. I am thankful to the universe and god for making our dream come true.”

“Virtus event is key to the world of high-level competitions for the athletes with intellectual impairments ”

Dina has revealed her intentions to engage in discussions with the government of Kazakhstan to garner support for sports programs aimed at children with intellectual impairments. She is thrilled by Dastan’s triumph at the GG2023, as it will bolster her efforts during these talks.

“First of all, we were extremely happy to see Kazakhstan walk through the opera house doors at the opening ceremony, and now they are walking out with four silver medals which is a fantastic achievement, especially when it was an II3 athlete to do it. We hope other Central Asian countries are encouraged by their journey to be a part of the Virtus family soon,” said Marc Truffaut, Virtus President.

At this inaugural full medal event for II3 class, Dastan’s story is a legacy for both Kazakhstan and Virtus which is striving to create more opportunities for athletes with autism.