From August 26 to September 7, 2025, the shores of Lake Balkhash and the city of Astana will host the international inclusive project "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."
This year, the project in Kazakhstan is not just a series of isolated events but a holistic and inspiring journey. Participants will learn to strengthen mutual respect and experience ExtraAbility in real-life situations where tradition and modernity harmoniously enrich each other.
The centerpiece of the project will be an inclusive sailing camp on Lake Balkhash. Participants, half of whom are people with disabilities, will unite in mixed crews and set sail. Together, they will learn to operate catamarans and trimarans, tie nautical knots, overcome waves, coordinate as a team, and build trust in one another.
"In Kazakhstan, 'Sails of Spirit' navigates the vast seas of partnership. We value the special attention that the people of Kazakhstan give to guests and collaborative efforts, and we understand that true trust is born from consistent steps. That is why the camp at Balkhash is part of a broader process that we will continue together," emphasizes Oleg Kolpashchikov, Head of the "Sails of Spirit" project.
On August 30, the city of Balkhash will host the Day of ExtraAbility—a grand inclusive celebration featuring a concert, sports activities, a regatta, and masterclasses open to everyone.
On September 6, the Day of ExtraAbility will take place in Astana, bringing together around 200 people. Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to sail, row in an inclusive team, master navigation, and take part in other unique workshops. A special highlight will be a concert featuring artists with diverse abilities and stories.
The theme of the 2025 project is "Movement Towards Mutual Enrichment." This resonates deeply with Kazakhstan, where mutual support between people and the state is the foundation of societal life. "Sails of Spirit" connects this value with ExtraAbility practices, creating a space where Kazakh and international participants can share experiences, stories, and meanings on equal footing.
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 more than 30,000 nautical miles and brought together over 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." Rosatom’s support in Kazakhstan is not only a technological and organizational contribution but also an example of how an international company respects national characteristics and is committed to a long-term partnership, creating a shared space for development.
Key Participants of "Sails of Spirit: Movement Towards Mutual Enrichment" in Kazakhstan:
Project Videos:
Press Contacts:
Follow the Project:
Project Partners:
The project is implemented by the "White Cane" NGO with the support of the State Atomic Energy Corporation "Rosatom."
This year, the project in Kazakhstan is not just a series of isolated events but a holistic and inspiring journey. Participants will learn to strengthen mutual respect and experience ExtraAbility in real-life situations where tradition and modernity harmoniously enrich each other.
The centerpiece of the project will be an inclusive sailing camp on Lake Balkhash. Participants, half of whom are people with disabilities, will unite in mixed crews and set sail. Together, they will learn to operate catamarans and trimarans, tie nautical knots, overcome waves, coordinate as a team, and build trust in one another.
"In Kazakhstan, 'Sails of Spirit' navigates the vast seas of partnership. We value the special attention that the people of Kazakhstan give to guests and collaborative efforts, and we understand that true trust is born from consistent steps. That is why the camp at Balkhash is part of a broader process that we will continue together," emphasizes Oleg Kolpashchikov, Head of the "Sails of Spirit" project.
On August 30, the city of Balkhash will host the Day of ExtraAbility—a grand inclusive celebration featuring a concert, sports activities, a regatta, and masterclasses open to everyone.
On September 6, the Day of ExtraAbility will take place in Astana, bringing together around 200 people. Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to sail, row in an inclusive team, master navigation, and take part in other unique workshops. A special highlight will be a concert featuring artists with diverse abilities and stories.
The theme of the 2025 project is "Movement Towards Mutual Enrichment." This resonates deeply with Kazakhstan, where mutual support between people and the state is the foundation of societal life. "Sails of Spirit" connects this value with ExtraAbility practices, creating a space where Kazakh and international participants can share experiences, stories, and meanings on equal footing.
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 more than 30,000 nautical miles and brought together over 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." Rosatom’s support in Kazakhstan is not only a technological and organizational contribution but also an example of how an international company respects national characteristics and is committed to a long-term partnership, creating a shared space for development.
Key Participants of "Sails of Spirit: Movement Towards Mutual Enrichment" in Kazakhstan:
- Oleg Kolpashchikov (Russia), President of the "White Cane" NGO, co-founder and head of the "Sails of Spirit" project, author of over 100 inclusive initiatives.
- Viktor Klokov (Russia), yacht captain and co-founder of the "Sails of Spirit" project.
- Igor Poretsky (Russia), developer of the OsmAnd Access navigation app for the blind and digital accessibility expert.
- Kenzhegul Seitzhan (Kazakhstan), Deputy of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan (8th convocation) and Commissioner for the Rights of Socially Vulnerable Categories under the President of Kazakhstan.
- Bauyrzhan Bakhitzhan Uly (Kazakhstan), a blind history teacher and former advisor to the akim of Taldykorgan.
- Mukhmin Abbas (Egypt), Paralympic taekwondo champion and activist from the inclusive settlement Village of Hope.
- Dursun Arslan (Turkey), Vice President of the Turkish Federation of the Visually Impaired and Chairman of Tarsus Disability Platform.
- Dr. Abdullah Isik (Turkey), Associate Professor at Sinop University.
Project Videos:
- In Russian: https://youtu.be/khZXar9lGqY
- In English: https://youtu.be/jsPnGq-GVMo
Press Contacts:
- Oleg Kolpashchikov – Project Head, President of the "White Cane" NGO
- 📞 +7 906 810-22-88 | ✉️ ok.urals@gmail.com
- Viktor Klokov – Co-founder of the "Sails of Spirit" project, Yacht Captain
- 📞 +7 928 164-33-80 | ✉️ viktor.klokov@yandex.ru
- Valentina Skvortsova – Project Coordinator in Kazakhstan
- 📞 +7 963 854-45-65
Follow the Project:
- VK: https://vk.com/whitecane
- Website: https://extrability.org/
- Telegram: https://t.me/sails_spirit
Project Partners:
- State Atomic Energy Corporation "Rosatom"
- Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States Affairs, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation "Rossotrudnichestvo"
- Akimat of Astana (Kazakhstan)
- Akimat of Karaganda Region (Kazakhstan)
- Akimat of Balkhash City (Kazakhstan)
- Medscan Group
- Institute of Management Design and Competitive Strategies LLC
- "Nurbakhytyk" Recreation Center (Kazakhstan)
- "Special Holidays" Charitable Events Foundation (Kazakhstan)
- "ATAMYN AMANATY" Public Association (Kazakhstan)
- "Bakyt" Society of People with Disabilities (Kazakhstan)
- Inclusive Media Portal #Defacto FM (Kazakhstan)
- Tarsus Disability Platform (Turkey)
- Village of Hope for Development and Rehabilitation for Persons with Disabilities (Egypt)
- Russian Geographical Society
- Surgut City Organization of the All-Russian Society of Disabled People
- Khanty-Mansiysk Regional Organization of the All-Russian Society of Disabled People
- Ural Sails UPTK
- Doctor Volkova’s Rehabilitation Clinic
- Eldorado Tour LLC