As part of Balkhash Tour Fest 2026, the shores of Lake Balkhash welcomed the inaugural Cuprum Swim 2026, the region's first mass open water swimming event, organized on the initiative of Kazakhmys Smelting. The competition brought together swimming enthusiasts, professional athletes, and supporters of an active lifestyle, marking the beginning of a new sporting tradition for the region.
More than 300 athletes from across Kazakhstan, as well as participants from the Russian Federation, took part in the event. Competitors raced over two distances: 1 km (Cuprum Swim) and 3 km (Pikeman), demonstrating endurance, determination, and excellent athletic performance.
The opening ceremony was attended by Zhanibek Altynbekovich Baigabelov, General Director of Kazakhmys Smelting, who wished the participants success and emphasized that events of this kind play an important role in promoting mass sports, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and strengthening the tourism potential of the Balkhash region.
The event's special guest was Serik Sapiyev, Olympic boxing champion. In addition to supporting the participants, he personally completed the 3 km distance, inspiring athletes through his own example.
Participants represented many regions of Kazakhstan, with the largest delegations arriving from Astana and Karaganda. Athletes from Russia also joined the competition, highlighting its international character. The event united swimmers of different generations, from young competitors aged 14 to experienced participants in the 60+ category.
All finishers received commemorative medals, while winners and prize winners were awarded cash certificates and official prizes in recognition of their achievements.
The enthusiastic support of spectators, the determination of the athletes, the high level of organization, and the unique atmosphere of Lake Balkhash made Cuprum Swim 2026 a true celebration of sport. The inaugural open water swim became one of the highlights of the summer season and an important step toward developing sports tourism in the region.
Kazakhmys Smelting continues to support initiatives that promote mass participation in sports, encourage healthy lifestyles, and create new opportunities for active recreation. Cuprum Swim 2026 marked the successful beginning of a new sporting tradition in Balkhash that is set to grow in the years ahead.
More than 300 athletes from across Kazakhstan, as well as participants from the Russian Federation, took part in the event. Competitors raced over two distances: 1 km (Cuprum Swim) and 3 km (Pikeman), demonstrating endurance, determination, and excellent athletic performance.
The opening ceremony was attended by Zhanibek Altynbekovich Baigabelov, General Director of Kazakhmys Smelting, who wished the participants success and emphasized that events of this kind play an important role in promoting mass sports, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and strengthening the tourism potential of the Balkhash region.
The event's special guest was Serik Sapiyev, Olympic boxing champion. In addition to supporting the participants, he personally completed the 3 km distance, inspiring athletes through his own example.
Participants represented many regions of Kazakhstan, with the largest delegations arriving from Astana and Karaganda. Athletes from Russia also joined the competition, highlighting its international character. The event united swimmers of different generations, from young competitors aged 14 to experienced participants in the 60+ category.
All finishers received commemorative medals, while winners and prize winners were awarded cash certificates and official prizes in recognition of their achievements.
The enthusiastic support of spectators, the determination of the athletes, the high level of organization, and the unique atmosphere of Lake Balkhash made Cuprum Swim 2026 a true celebration of sport. The inaugural open water swim became one of the highlights of the summer season and an important step toward developing sports tourism in the region.
Kazakhmys Smelting continues to support initiatives that promote mass participation in sports, encourage healthy lifestyles, and create new opportunities for active recreation. Cuprum Swim 2026 marked the successful beginning of a new sporting tradition in Balkhash that is set to grow in the years ahead.