Deputies with Disabilities Participate in Sails of Spirit Regatta for the First Time: "Days of ExtraAbility" at Lake Issyk-Kul

On August 23–24, 2025, the picturesque shores of Lake Issyk-Kul (at the "Orbita" recreation base) hosted the international festival "Days of ExtraAbility." This vibrant event was organized as part of the "Sails of Spirit" project with the support of the State Atomic Energy Corporation "Rosatom" and Dastan Bekeshev, Deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The festival brought together guests from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Latvia, Egypt, and Russia. From the very beginning, the atmosphere was filled with friendship, creativity, and inspiration.

The first day was dedicated to diverse masterclasses, where every participant could discover new passions: from painting pinecones and sewing dolls to working with epoxy resin, musical improvisations, and even blindfolded walks.

The highlight of the festival was the sailing regatta—a unique event in the history of "Sails of Spirit," bringing together parliamentarians from different countries for the first time. Each crew included a deputy with a disability: Dastan Bekeshev (Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic), Kenzhegul Seitzhan (Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, 8th convocation), and Jasur Jumaev (Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan). The crew of Dastan Bekeshev claimed victory, followed by Jasur Jumaev’s team in second place, and Kenzhegul Seitzhan’s sailboat finishing third.

On August 24, the festival continued with water activities and masterclasses, culminating in a grand closing ceremony. The anthem of the "Sails of Spirit" project was performed, followed by musical and dance performances in national styles, and the awards ceremony for the regatta winners. Distinguished guests included Dastan Bekeshev, Deputies of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan Irina Smirnova and Kenzhegul Seitzhan, Dmitry Konstantinov (General Director of Rosatom’s Representative Office in Kyrgyzstan), and Kiyalbek Raimbekov (Deputy Akim of the Issyk-Kul District).

For over a decade, the "Sails of Spirit" project has united people with disabilities from different countries, creating a platform for exchanging experiences, developing talents, and fostering international cooperation. The concept of extraability at the project’s core demonstrates that limitations can become a source of strength, and people with disabilities can be catalysts for positive change in politics, culture, business, and sports.

The "Days of ExtraAbility" at Issyk-Kul became a space for mutual enrichment, where every participant—from parliamentarians and community leaders to young volunteers—contributed their unique piece to the mosaic of ideas and inspiration.

Project Partners of "Sails of Spirit":

• State Atomic Energy Corporation "Rosatom"
• Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States Affairs, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation "Rossotrudnichestvo"
• JSC "Concern Rosenergoatom"
• Russian Geographical Society
• Medscan Group
• Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin
• Institute of Management Design and Competitive Strategies LLC
• Issyk-Kul District State Administration (Kyrgyzstan)
• "Orbita" Base (Kyrgyzstan)
• Foundation for Public Development and Cooperation (Kyrgyzstan)
• Public Association "Resource Center for the Elderly" (Kyrgyzstan)
• Tarsus Disability Platform (Turkey)
• Khanty-Mansiysk Regional Organization of the All-Russian Society of Disabled People
• Surgut City Organization of the All-Russian Society of Disabled People
• Sverdlovsk Regional Public Organization "Kyrgyzstan-Ural"
• Public Association "Foris"
• Children’s Rehabilitation Center "UMUT-NADEZHDA"
• Ural Sails UPTK
• Doctor Volkova’s Rehabilitation Clinic
• Eldorado Tour LLC