Anniversary of Viktor Tulaev: 85 Years of Devotion to Sport and the University

85 years is a significant and remarkable milestone, one that seems entirely at odds with this energetic, fit, vigorous, and cheerful man! Today, Honorary Professor of the University Viktor Konstantinovich Tulaev celebrated his anniversary. The university leadership, representatives of the Department of Physical Culture and Sports of the North Kazakhstan Region, the Tourism Association of the North Kazakhstan Region, the University Veterans' Council, alumni of the university, colleagues and students gathered to congratulate the esteemed teacher and mentor.

During the solemn event, Viktor Konstantinovich was awarded the “Qurmetti Sport qyzmetkeri” (Honoured Worker of Sport) badge, as well as congratulatory letters on behalf of the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Minister of Tourism and Sport of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Akim of the North Kazakhstan Region.

"Your energy, cheerfulness, and active participation in the life of the university and the faculty are truly inspiring. Every time we meet, Viktor Konstantinovich gives me tasks. Previously, he spoke about renovating the gymnastics hall – and we did it. He proposed building a football field – and we built it. Now his dream is to have an indoor hangar-type sports hall, and we will get there too. For more than half a century, Viktor Konstantinovich's life has been tied to our university: he has progressed from a novice teacher to a professor. He has trained a whole constellation of talented athletes, prepared hundreds of students. His pupils worthily represent our region and Kazakhstan on national and world arenas. Today, we express our deepest gratitude for your work and dedication to the university!" – said Chairman of the Board – Rector Yerbol Issakayev, addressing the jubilarian.

Viktor Konstantinovich is a veteran of physical culture and sport, a teacher, an associate professor, an Honorary Worker of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a towering figure whose name is inseparably linked with the development of sport in Northern Kazakhstan and with the history of Kozybayev University. He was born in 1940 in Kyiv. In 1962 he graduated from the Almaty Institute of Physical Culture, and immediately upon assignment arrived at the Petropavlovsk Pedagogical Institute, where he began his teaching career. For 60 years, V.K. Tulaev has been a teacher, mentor, and inspiration for many generations of students. He has headed the departments of the Theory of Physical Culture and of Sports Disciplines, and served as Dean of the Faculty of Physical Culture.

Under his leadership, numerous scientific and methodological works have been written, and over 50 scientific articles have been published, including papers in international reviewed journals. He continues to teach, deliver lectures, and take an active part in the university's public life. A common thread running through Viktor Konstantinovich's entire life is sport. He has taken up various sports, but gymnastics captured his soul, and he succeeded in translating this love into reality. Thus, the "Gymnastics Show" was born, which for three decades has delighted audiences with spectacular routines while testing the strength and talent of athletes.

The celebratory event also featured demonstration performances in artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, sport acrobatics, as well as performances by dance groups from Petropavlovsk.

At the close of the evening, the jubilarian shared his recipe for vigour and longevity: "You must always be young at heart, and in life – honest and just. Be quick to do good to people! I wish you also to lead such a life, to love your profession, to love children, and to do everything so that our country and our profession may flourish!"