Athlete in KYRGYZ REPUBLIC is True Champion to Everyone

Jakshylyk kyzy Jazgul is 12 years old and lives in Bishkek with parents and her brother. She has been involved with Special Olympics Kyrgyz Republic for three years. When she started to attend the Rodnichok special needs center, she was too shy to play with the other children who started to tease her.  Then Jazgul discovered sports. 

First she took up gymnastics, then she learned to swim and skate.  She was so accomplished that she was selected to be part of the delegation going to the 2009 World Winter Special Olympics Games in Idaho.  There, she won two gold medals in speedskating.  She returned to a hero’s welcome: she was interviewed on television and newspapers wrote articles about her.  But the highest public recognition for her sporting achievements came when the president of the country awarded her with 50,000 som (about $ 1160).

Jazgul has changed a great deal.  She is less afraid and more open. She has much to smile about because she is a true champion – in the eyes of the public and her family.

Photo: Jakshylyk kyzy Jazgul at the World Games in Idaho. (Photo courtesy of Special Olympics Kyrgyz Republic)

Jakshylyk kyzy Jazgul