The Stages of the International Inclusive Project "Sails of the Spirit – 2026" in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan Have Concluded

On September 17, 2026, the final results of the stages of the international inclusive project "Sails of the Spirit: Extrability Movement. We Choose to Continue" were summarized in Central Asia. From August 24 to September 17, the expedition covered a large-scale route spanning the coast of Lake Issyk-Kul in the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as the cities of Balkhash, Ulken, and Almaty in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The project was implemented by the White Cane Autonomous Non-Profit Organization with the support of the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom.

The first stage of the program took place from August 24 to September 5 in Kyrgyzstan at a recreation base on the shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. For two weeks, inclusive camp participants underwent an intensive program of water and socio-cultural training. Daily preparation included training runs on sailing trimarans and rowing catamarans, safety protocol practice, and crew coordination. In parallel, developmental master classes were held: sign language singing practices, playback theater, burnout prevention training, self-regulation, and adaptive support. Participants also conducted an inclusive tour of the Issyk-Kul District, along with rowing and sailing competitions.

The central event of the stage in the Kyrgyz Republic was the team's participation in the World Nomad Games festival. On September 2, in the Kyrchyn jailoo with the support of the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom, the "Sails of the Spirit" camp presented an inclusive yurt, which became an open platform for socio-cultural dialogue. The yurt space combined eight interactive workshops at once: visitors learned to tie marine knots blindfolded, got acquainted with the daily life of nomads through touch, and mastered songs in the Kyrgyz language and sign language singing. Creative directions enjoyed great success—creating straw paintings titled "Road of Hospitality" and plasticineography titled "Nomad of the Future," as well as the joint formation of a shared "Gift to the Place." An authentic atmosphere was maintained inside the yurt without the use of artificial lighting. At moments when the tunduk had to be closed due to weather conditions, the team organized a practical lunch in complete darkness for guests, where participants learned to interact without visual contact.

On September 3, Extrability Day was held at the Issyk-Kul base, featuring open master classes, inclusive sailing runs, and a festive concert dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the partnership between the "Sails of the Spirit" project and the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom.

From September 6 to 17, the project continued in Kazakhstan. The key events of this stage were the Extrability Days held on September 10 in the city of Balkhash and on September 15 in the village of Ulken at the final camp venues. The main focus of the program was placed on intensive training and working with the water elements. Participants of the inclusive crews mastered the theory and practice of handling sailing catamarans, learning to catch the wind, work with rigging, and row in synchronization. Conquering lake waves and coping with changeable winds, mixed teams of people with and without disabilities learned to act as a single organism. The culmination of the training was an inclusive regatta, where participants practically demonstrated their acquired skills: blind and visually impaired sailors, on par with sighted colleagues, held the helm, set the rowing rhythm, and made key tactical decisions on the water.

The concluding chord of the Kazakhstan stage was the event on September 17 in Almaty at the private school "ALLIANCE SCHOOL." As part of the cultural and educational program, an inclusive seminar was held, featuring a motivational storytelling block, five interactive master classes ("Plasticineography," "Journey Between Worlds," "Marine Knot Tying," "Joint Music Making," and "Wheelchair Labyrinth"), and a festive concert. An important step for the long-term development of inclusive education was the signing of a cooperation agreement between the White Cane ANO and the private school "ALLIANCE SCHOOL."

"The Central Asian stage showed that inclusion is not passive integration, but a living flow of joint creativity, learning, and maximum activity. On Issyk-Kul and Balkhash, we saw how wind and waves unite people: unfamiliar participants with and without disabilities turned into coordinated sailing crews winning regattas in a matter of days. During Extrability Days in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, we once again became convinced that in the process of overcoming barriers, the undiscovered super-abilities of every person are manifested, and regional communities receive a powerful impulse for their own development," commented Oleg Kolpashchikov, Head of the "Sails of the Spirit" project.

In total, over 300 people participated in the events in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan—members of the international team, volunteers, experts, representatives of public organizations, and local youth. The conducted stages have formed the basis for new social and sports initiatives and the sustainable development of the international Extrability Movement in the region.