"Sails of Spirit 2025: Movement Towards Mutual Enrichment" in Kyrgyzstan
For the first time, the international inclusive project "Sails of Spirit" will take place in the picturesque Issyk-Kul region of the Kyrgyz Republic. This year, it is dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry and will bring together people with diverse physical abilities, professional athletes, volunteers, and representatives of public organizations.
From August 17 to 27, Lake Issyk-Kul will become a meeting point for participants from seven countries. The program includes a sailing camp, inclusive regattas, a festival, and an international meeting of parliamentarians with disabilities—all under the framework of "Sails of Spirit 2025: Movement Towards Mutual Enrichment."
The project is implemented by the "White Cane" NGO with the support of the State Atomic Energy Corporation "Rosatom" and Dastan Bekeshev, a deputy of the 7th convocation of the Jogorku Kenesh.
The camp program features training sessions for managing trimarans and rowing catamarans in mixed crews, masterclasses, excursions, concerts, and public discussions. Thirty-five participants from Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan will reside at the camp.
Key participants include:
Oleg Kolpashchikov, President of the "White Cane" NGO, co-founder and leader of the "Sails of Spirit" project, and author of over 100 inclusive initiatives at regional, federal, and international levels. For more than a decade, he has promoted the philosophy of extraability—a culture where physical limitations become a source of growth and strength.
Viktor Klokov, a yacht captain and co-founder of the "Sails of Spirit" project.
Yuri Alexandrov, Chairman of the Surgut Local Branch of the All-Russian Society of Disabled People.
Egypt will be represented by Mukhmin Abbas, a Paralympic taekwondo champion and activist from the inclusive settlement Village of Hope. Turkey will be represented by Arslan Dursun, Vice President of the Turkish Federation of the Visually Impaired and Chairman of the Tarsus Disability Platform.
Prominent figures from Kyrgyzstan will also join the camp, including Mirbek Valiev, a multiple medalist in taekwondo for the Kyrgyz Republic, silver medalist at the 2019 Asian Championships, participant in the 2022 World Championships in Amsterdam, and owner and chief physician of a dental clinic.
The central events of the Kyrgyzstan program will be the ExtraAbility Days, held at the "Orbita" base on the shores of Issyk-Kul, bringing together over 150 people:
August 23: A sports and cultural festival with masterclasses, open activities, and a creative program.
August 24: An open inclusive regatta and a celebratory concert with guests from the Issyk-Kul region, government representatives, and NGOs.
The main theme of "Sails of Spirit" 2025 is "Movement Towards Mutual Enrichment." This is a path of joint development where participants exchange experiences, knowledge, and resources. Kyrgyzstan gains practical inclusive experience, while the project gains new routes, participants, and meanings.
"Sails of Spirit and Rosatom are together creating a new chapter in partnerships between NGOs, the state, and businesses—one that uncovers talents previously hidden from view. This is not about helping those in need but about equal cooperation that transforms society, opens horizons of possibilities, and inspires every participant to achieve greatness," emphasizes Oleg Kolpashchikov, leader of the "Sails of Spirit" project and President of the "White Cane" NGO.
Background:
The "Sails of Spirit" project has been running since 2011. Its goal is to develop inclusive yachting as an open model for unlocking unique human talents and capabilities. This is not just a sailing sport—it is a philosophy that unites people through cooperation and mutual respect. Over the years, the project has covered over 30,000 nautical miles and brought together more than 45,000 participants.
Since 2016, "Sails of Spirit" has been implemented by the "White Cane" NGO with the support of the State Atomic Energy Corporation "Rosatom" and the Federal Agency "Rossotrudnichestvo."