Strength of current and strength of spirit: how an employee of AlES JSC performed at the Winter Spartakiade

The icy wind of Astana was stirred up by the ringing starting whistles and the sound of applause for the first time at the winter Spartakiade that “Samruk-Kazyna” held here on 22-23 February 2025, which became a true celebration of sports and corporate spirit. More than 400 participants from 20 companies of the Fund Group gathered on the ice arena and snow-covered tracks to prove that winter is the time not only for frost but also for passionate hearts! The first day the participants competed in hockey, and on Sunday there was a ski race for men and women, in which 300 people took part.

Makhambet Konebayev, the chief specialist of operation service of AlES JSC, stood out among hundreds of participants who were racing along the snow-covered track. These competitions were not just a sporting challenge for him, but a symbol of the unity of the team, which he was proud to represent. “When you put on a uniform with the logo of your native company, you feel responsibility twice as much. You are no longer just running – you are bringing the energy of the whole team!” – Makhambet admits.

Providing power and heat to thousands of homes, AlES JSC has proved that its employees are able to generate not only energy, but also sporting excitement. Makhambet, whose work involves precision and stamina, took the training as a responsible project: months of training, distance analyses and even brainstorming sessions with fellow skiers. “Our company always sets high standards – whether it’s modernization or a personal record on the track”, he smiles.

 

His start has become a metaphor for the daily labor at AlES: the first spurt is like turning on the turbines, the rhythmic glide is like the smooth operation of systems, and the finish is a bright flash that illuminates the path to the goal. “When you run, you think that the overcoming is the very essence of our profession. The ski track is like a power line – it seems endless, but you keep going, knowing that every step is important”, Makhambet shares.

So what’s the final result? ‘The main thing is not the seconds on the timer, but how you inspire others. For AlES JSC, where teamwork is the basis of success, th Spartakiada has become another “social escalator”. “Sports break down the barriers”, Makhambet believes. – Yesterday’s your video-conference partner today becomes your rival on the course, and tomorrow he becomes a partner in a new project.

Leaving the Spartakiade, Makhambet took away not only memorable photos, but the feeling that he had been charged with energy for the year ahead! “I hope this Spartakiade is just the beginning. May it become an annual winter tradition where we will set records and become friends”, concluded Makhambet Konebayev.