The "Be the First" festival for people with disabilities was held in Nurlat to commemorate the anniversary of Gagarin's flight.

      Creative flight without borders: the most talented residents of Nurlat were awarded at the Cultural and Leisure Center "Grani".

      A significant event took place at the Cultural and Leisure Center "Grani" in the city of Nurlat – the first district festival of creativity "Be the First" among people with disabilities and limited health capabilities. The event was timed to coincide with a grand date – the 65th anniversary of the first human flight into space. Just as Yuri Gagarin once opened the way to the stars for humanity, the festival participants proved that for true talent and will, there are no earthly barriers.

      Fifty applications were submitted for the festival across four nominations, and participants included residents of Nurlat of all ages: from kindergarten children to representatives of the older generation. The themes of the works and performances were divided into three vectors: "Cosmonautics," "Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia," and "My Native Land."

      A bright exhibition of decorative and applied arts and drawings unfolded in the center's foyer, while on the main stage, contestants competed in vocal mastery, choreography, and artistic word.

      The honored guest of the celebration was the head of the Nurlat district, Damir Ishkineev. He personally interacted with the participants and wished them success. "The first human flight into space was a moment of great triumph and joy for our entire country. Yuri Gagarin is an eternal symbol of our courage and aspiration upward. Today, Russia continues to carry out its honorable watch in orbit. I wish you never to stop at what you have achieved and always believe in your strengths!" – encouraged Damir Azatovich the participants.

      Each performance on the "Grani" stage was filled with special sincerity and warmth. The audience did not hide their emotions: a truly soulful atmosphere reigned in the hall, and each creative number was accompanied by long applause. Festival guests noted that such meetings help to see in people with disabilities not their limitations, but the boundless strength of spirit and purity of heart.

      The event concluded with a solemn award ceremony. Damir Ishkineev presented diplomas and cash certificates to all participants. The best in their nominations were:

      "Decorative and Applied Arts": Agata Satdarova (School No. 3);

      "Artistic Reading": Nikolai Saveliev (boarding school);

      "Vocal": Timur Gendzhaev (boarding school);

      "Choreography": the group "Dance Drop" (boarding school).

      This festival became yet another proof that people with disabilities possess incredible potential, aimed, like dreams of space, only upward. "The name 'Be the First' was chosen not by chance. It resonates with the feat of the first cosmonauts. They were the first, and our participants today are pioneers of a new festival. May this stage open new horizons for them and reveal their talents. We thank all participants," noted the director of the Cultural and Leisure Center "Grani," Dina Khuzzyatova.

      Lilia Mubarakshina