September 19, 2026, Rijeka (Croatia) – The international team of the "Sails of the Spirit" project has arrived in Croatia. The first day of the stay in Rijeka was dynamic and dedicated to an introductory program, the exchange of socio-cultural experience, and the implementation of Extrability inclusive practices.
The Red Cross House in Rijeka served as the base for the expedition—a cozy social center that helps people in difficult life situations and provides hot meals to nearby schools. The team's morning began with morning exercises and a run along the Adriatic coast, after which participants began preparing joint master classes.
Socio-Cultural Dialogue and Storytelling
At 1:00 PM, the project team held its first official meeting with key Croatian partners. The venue brought together:
- Representatives of the Rotary Club Kvarner – Rijeka
- Association of the Blind of Rijeka
- Association of the Blind of Pula
- Representatives of the City Society of the Red Cross Rijeka
The meeting began with a general round of introductions and role distribution. Konstantin Vitalievich Barannikov, co-organizer of the "Extrability Movement," held a briefing outlining the key goals and values of the Extrability Movement. Team members presented the projects of "Sails of the Spirit" and, in the format of personal storytelling, shared the stories of how they came to the inclusive movement. In turn, representatives of the Rotary Club shared their experience in implementing their own social and charitable programs.
The interactive part of the meeting brought all guests together in three mixed teams. Participants underwent a training session on assembling a traditional matryoshka doll blindfolded. The task elicited a strong emotional response and turned into an enthusiastic speed competition that demonstrated the importance of mutual trust, sensitivity, and team mutual assistance.
Having completed the practical block, the "Sails of the Spirit" team presented memorable gifts to their Croatian colleagues and expressed gratitude for the warm welcome. Communication continued in an informal setting over a buffet.
The finish of the first day was a cultural and sightseeing program: participants got acquainted with the centuries-old history of Rijeka, visited the old city fortress, and appreciated the view of the city and the sea from the observation deck on the tower.