Akmal and Aziz Anvarov to Represent Uzbekistan at Inclusive Children’s Arts Festival “Breaking Barriers” in Bashkortostan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 23 October at 15:00, the Gala Concert of the inclusive children’s arts festival “Breaking Barriers” will take place at the Toratau Congress Hall in Ufa. The festival offers a unique opportunity for children with disabilities to perform on the same stage as their able-bodied peers.

The festival features traditional categories including vocal performance, choreography, instrumental music, and original genres. This year, the jury reviewed 421 applications from 23 regions of Russia and two foreign countries.

Akmal and Aziz Anvarov are winners in the “Choreography” category.

The festival’s motto this year is “In a World of Kind Words.” It promotes a creative approach to communication, fostering dialogue and strengthening a culture of inclusion in society.

“The week before the Gala Concert is the busiest. Our participants arrive, rehearsals begin, costumes are fitted, parents are excited, and the children are full of genuine curiosity. Once again, we see that regardless of one’s abilities, the world is limitless and open to everyone. You can travel, choose a profession, create something new, make a discovery. Sometimes, all it takes to believe in yourself is a kind word and support from loved ones,” said Alina Khabirova, Director of the Breaking Barriers Center.

A few words about the brothers: Akmal is in the 7th grade, and Aziz is in the 2nd grade. They study at the Mehrli Kullar Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities.

They are sociable, enjoy playing football, and like learning foreign languages. Despite his diagnosis, Aziz attends a regular school and has many friends in his class, especially girls. His favorite subjects are art, labor, music, and physical education. Both boys actively help their mother at home—for example, Aziz prepares dough for cupcakes and rolls dough for samsa pastries.

Their mother, Umida, shared her reaction upon hearing the news about the festival: “When I told my sons that we would go to Ufa, they were overjoyed. They love traveling to other countries, flying on airplanes, discovering new worlds, and making new friends. We are confident they will quickly make friends with everyone, as they easily connect with their peers.”