On Saturday, April 25, 2026, during a ceremony held at the Kazakh National University of Sport, Prof. WSG Dr. habil. Alexander Skaliy, Director of the Institute of Sport and Physical Culture at the University of Economy in Bydgoszcz, was awarded the state decoration of the Republic of Kazakhstan “Құрметті спорт қызметкері” — “Honored Sports Worker.”
The award was presented by the Rector of the Kazakh National University of Sport, Ms. Tursynzada Kuangalieva.
The “Honored Sports Worker” distinction is a state award granted by the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Republic of Kazakhstan to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the development of sport, physical culture, sports education, and international cooperation in this field.
The distinction awarded to Prof. Alexander Skaliy expresses recognition of his many years of commitment to the development of Polish–Kazakh academic and expert cooperation, the implementation of joint educational and social projects, the enhancement of sports personnel qualifications, and the building of lasting relationships between sports and higher education institutions in Poland and Kazakhstan.
The ceremony also had a special academic and partnership dimension. On the same day, diplomas were awarded to a group of 58 graduates of the joint EMBA Sport Management program, implemented by the University of Economy in Bydgoszcz in cooperation with the Kazakh National University of Sport. The diplomas were presented jointly by the Rector of KNUS, Ms. Tursynzada Kuangalieva, and Prof. WSG Dr. habil. Alexander Skaliy, symbolically emphasizing the durability and practical dimension of Polish–Kazakh academic cooperation in the field of sport management.
This distinction is of particular importance as it is the first state decoration of the Republic of Kazakhstan awarded to Prof. Alexander Skaliy. It also serves as a significant confirmation of the longstanding presence of the University of Economy in Bydgoszcz within the framework of international cooperation with partners from Kazakhstan.
The University of Economy in Bydgoszcz has for many years been developing strategic cooperation with Kazakh partners, including joint educational and social projects, professional development programs, academic internships, and initiatives in the areas of safety, rescue services, sport, and sports management education.
We would like to extend our sincere congratulations to Prof. Alexander Skaliy on this prestigious distinction.
