Almaty 2017 have secured two new partnerships ©Almaty 2017

Confectionery manufacturer Rakhat JSC and information security software developer Dr Web have been confirmed as sponsors of the Almaty 2017 Winter Universiade.

Kamila Lukpanova, deputy director of Almaty 2017, held a press conference to announce the signing of the two agreements.

Lukpanova claimed the support of the local companies would prove key to delivering the multi-sport event, which is due to begin on January 28.

Under the terms of the agreement with Rakhat, the company will provide 8.5 tonnes of chocolate, waffles and cookies to the Universiade.

Their ‘Kazakhstanskiy’ chocolate and ‘Na zdorovya’ cookies will be decorated with Almaty 2017 patterns, Rakhat’s economic and finance director Zauresh Toleubayeva added.

Rakhat are also expected to provide a further two tonnes of other confectionery products for the guests and participants at the event.

They will also be used in the Athletes’ Village, as well as at sport venues, official events and conferences.

The agreements come shortly after a partnership was signed with the VKontakte social network ©Almaty 2017
The agreements come shortly after a partnership was signed with the VKontakte social network ©Almaty 2017

Organisers have claimed Dr Web will provide security for computers, mobile devices and servers at the event, with their specialists taking care of IT infrastructure.

The company previously provided security for computers and mobile devices at the seventh Asian Games, which took place in Astana and Almaty during 2011.

The agreements follow a partnership with VKontakte, who will act as the official social network of the Universiade.

More than 2,000 athletes from 55 countries are expected to take part in the 26th edition of the Universiade, due to take place until February 8 in 2017.