Sails of the Spirit in Trabzon for the First Time: A Movement Towards Partnership and Mutual Enrichment
In Turkey, the "Sails of the Spirit" project has become a true tradition, having been held for five consecutive years. But this year, the expedition's first events were launched in Trabzon
The project is implemented by the White Cane Non-Profit Organization with the support of the State Atomic Energy Corporation "Rosatom" and the Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States Affairs, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation (Rossotrudnichestvo).
On October 15-16, the Days of ExtraAbility were held in Trabzon, bringing together representatives of public organizations, civil servants, teachers, specialists, students, and activists. These events served as a platform where people with different experiences and abilities interact as equals, creating a space for mutual learning and development.
The first day was devoted to the seminar "Sails of the Spirit as a Platform for International Cooperation." Participants discussed how the ideas of partnership, trust, and joint action help develop public initiatives.
The seminar was led by Oleg Kolpashchikov, the project leader, and Alina Tosun, a volunteer for the movement, whose personal story is an example of inner strength and involvement. Among the participants were Dursun Arslan, Head of the Tarsus Disability Platform, and Oksana Makoviyenko, the project coordinator in Turkey and Head of the Center for Social Development of Citizens.
The seminar was attended by representatives of Trabzon organizations, including associations for the blind and visually impaired, autism advocacy groups, a community for parents of children with Down syndrome, the "Barriers Without" organization, and an association for families of those fallen in military action.
The day concluded with the project team participating in a parade dedicated to International White Cane Day. Members of various organizations walked through the city streets with posters calling for attention, equal treatment, and the inclusion of everyone in society.
On October 16, the project events continued at the Trabzon Yacht Club. Participants were welcomed by Valery Timashov, Consul of the Russian Federation in Trabzon, representatives of Karadeniz Technical University, and the Russian Community of Trabzon.
Guests took part in master classes exploring different aspects of human interaction and creativity:
"Journey Between Worlds" – A practical exercise in trust and coordination where blindfolded participants navigated space relying on their partners.
"Tying Maritime Knots" – An introduction to seamanship, developing precision, patience, and self-assurance.
"Plasticineography" – Creative work with plasticine where teams created symbols of ExtraAbility, often blindfolded, to develop imagination and team spirit.
Participants had the opportunity to learn about the structure of sailing boats. And, of course, no one could resist enjoying the sea breeze.
The event concluded with the sounds of Turkish music and live communication, marking another step towards strengthening partnership and mutual understanding between countries and people.
We are especially proud that our events were attended by distinguished guests: Savaş Yol, Head of the Disability Assembly of the Trabzon City Council, Head of the Community for the Blind and Visually Impaired, İbrahim Yılmaz, Board Member of the Disability Assembly of the Trabzon City Council, Head of the Yomra District Disability Community, Süheyla Kuvvet, Deputy Head of the Disability Assembly of the Trabzon City Council, Beyza Sarı, Board Member of the Disability Assembly of the Trabzon City Council, Head of the Mothers of Children with Disabilities Community, Ensar Öztürk, Board Member of the Disability Assembly of the Trabzon City Council, Head of the Community for Families with Children with Down Syndrome, Şeref İşler, Head of the Community for Families of Those Fallen in Military Action, Adil Duman, Director of the "Akyazı Yachting" Water Sports Club.
The "Sails of the Spirit" project in Trabzon became an example of how shared goals and joint action help people from different countries and cultures find common ground. This is how partnerships are born, connections are strengthened, and genuine mutual enrichment is achieved.
Project Partners
State Atomic Energy Corporation "Rosatom"
Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States Affairs, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation (Rossotrudnichestvo)
Medscan Group of Companies
Sverdlovsk Regional Branch of the Russian Geographical Society
ExtraAbility Movement
Institute for Management Design and Competitive Strategies, LLC