The World Health Day was celebrated yesterday in Turkmenistan according to the established good tradition. A mass bike ride, in which President Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part, was timed to coincide with this international date, fixed in the national calendar.
Large-scale work is being carried out in the country to establish the principles of a healthy lifestyle in society, popularize regular physical education and sports that every year are joined by an increasing number of Turkmen citizens. The Saglyk State Program, other specialized programs, projects to improve the medical and sports infrastructure in cities and rural areas are being consistently implemented.
A bicycle is rightfully recognized as the most environmentally friendly mode of transport - an excellent means of transportation, travel and outdoor activities and, at the same time, a popular sports and leisure equipment. In the modern era, mass bike rides, days without vehicles, nationwide landscaping campaigns have become good traditions in our country. Laid down by the Hero-Arkadag, they are aimed at the formation of a new ecological culture of the society and received the unanimous support of the Turkmen people and wide approval at the international level.
A clear evidence of this is the Resolution of the UN General Assembly adopted at the initiative of Turkmenistan in 2018 on the proclamation of June 3rd as World Bicycle Day. To commemorate this event, the Bicycle monument was erected in Ashgabat, the grand opening of which took place in 2020.
We also recall that on March 15th this year, at the 61st plenary meeting of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, at the proposal of our country, the Resolution “Integration of mass cycling into public transport systems to achieve sustainable development” was adopted by full consensus, co-sponsored by 62 states.
All this is a vivid confirmation of the high international prestige of neutral Turkmenistan, which is steadily implementing a constructive policy based on the principles of peacefulness, creativity, humanism and fruitful cooperation.
In the morning, the “Bicycle” monument located at the intersection of Chandybil Avenue and Bekreve Street, where the bike ride route starts, served a place of gathering for the Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, heads of the Halk Maslakhaty and the Mejlis Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan, military and law enforcement agencies, ministries and departments, the capital administration, public organizations, mass media, university rectors and student youth.
Having launched the mass cycling marathon, the head of state led the column of its participants dressed in appropriate sports equipment. Following the President of Turkmenistan, everyone began a well-coordinated movement along the route that runs along the spacious capital avenues.
Inspiring performances of creative teams unfolded at the start and along the route of the mass bike ride. Musical and dance compositions and songs glorifying the independent neutral Motherland and its peaceful creative policy, celebrating sports, increased the festive atmosphere, inspiring the participants of the sports campaign to successfully overcome the distance.
During the cyclocross, the President of Turkmenistan demonstrated excellent physical and sports training. Previously, holding various leadership positions, the head of state, honored coach of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov also regularly took part in such events, confirming the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle by personal example.
It is noteworthy that cycling also has a long history in Turkmenistan, dating back to the creation of the first cycling society in Ashgabat in 1894, and a year later, the first cycling competitions were held. In the modern era, this sport has received a new development in our country, the number of its fans is constantly growing.
It is gratifying that more and more children and young people are getting involved in cycling. An eloquent confirmation of this is the participation in the current cyclocross of young athletes - pupils of the “Döwletliler köşgi” Palace. Following the route, they skillfully manage the bicycles donated by the Hero-Arkadag. By the way, the pupils of the “Döwletliler köşgi” Palace have already participated in such sports and recreation events more than once. In our country, all conditions have been created for the younger generation to receive a comprehensive education, realize talents and abilities, go in for sports and creativity.
Meanwhile, the column of bike ride participants, headed by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, continued its movement along the most beautiful highways of the capital, organically blending into the urban landscape.
On the way, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressing Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Ch. Purchekov, who is in charge of the capital, gave specific instructions for further greening and beautification of Ashgabat, maintaining exemplary cleanliness in it, and comprehensive modernization of urban infrastructure. At the same time, the head of state stressed the need to pay unremitting attention to ensuring optimally comfortable conditions for people's lives.
Following the route, the column of cyclists continued along Bitarap Turkmenistan Avenue in the direction of the center of Ashgabat, which impresses with its monumental beauty and originality of its architectural ensemble.
Meanwhile, in the capital, a new spring day was rapidly gaining pace and rhythm. As always, life in Ashgabat was already in full swing from early morning. Citizens hurried to work, schoolchildren and students - to study, accompanied by their parents, young children were sent to kindergartens. The inspiring atmosphere reigning in the main city of the country gave everyone a feeling of cheerfulness and a surge of energy.
Here, in the center of the capital, near the Ruhyet Palace, a mass bike ride timed to coincide with World Health Day has finished. At the end of the cycling action, addressing its participants, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the need to continue the year, the motto of which is “The era of the people with Arkadag”, with comprehensive work to further involve the general population in physical culture and sports, to strengthen the principles of healthy and active lifestyle.
This will also contribute to the development of children's and youth sports as an integral part of the upbringing of a physically strong, purposeful young generation with great intellectual potential, a rich outlook, and innovative technologies.
Then President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said goodbye to the participants of the sports and environmental action, and, having wished everyone good health and success, left the place of the event.
The State Customs Service of Turkmenistan.
