Sports here unite family members, instilling discipline and resilience in them. A Turmush correspondent spoke with family representatives about their path to success and how they overcome challenges.
Valery Valeryevich Shabanov, the head of the family and an experienced ski instructor, initiated this sporting journey, involving everyone in training. His wife, Yulia Shapovalova, who works as an English teacher at M. Lomonosov School, provides a reliable "rear" and supports the family.
The couple has three children, each of whom has already made a name for themselves in sports:
- Konstantin (21 years old), a candidate for master of sports.
- Arina (17 years old), also a candidate for master of sports.
- Roman (a 6th-grade student), studying at school No. 2 named after Baisara Uulu Sadyr Ake, a promising young skier.
The children started engaging in sports at an early age: Konstantin began skiing at 7 years old, Arina at 5, and Roman at 4, trying to keep up with their older siblings.
The family's daily routine is strictly regulated. "Everyone has their own schedule. Our daughter studies in the morning and goes to the slope after lunch, while our youngest son trains in the morning and then goes to school. They are used to this rhythm and are responsible for their own training," shares Yulia.
With special warmth, Roman recalls his first race at the age of 6, where he became the youngest participant. This medal became his main motivation. He already has gold from competitions in Chon-Kurchak and a victory in the "I Am a Champion" tournament in his collection.
The older children have faced more serious challenges. Arina represented Kyrgyzstan at international tournaments in Turkey, China, and the Asian Games. However, the path to success came with sacrifices: Konstantin and Arina had to undergo serious surgeries after injuries, but even this did not make them give up on sports.
The parents are convinced that awards are not the main thing. More important is the formation of character, which is forged on the slopes. "Sports teach patience and responsibility. There is no rivalry among the children, and the older ones are always ready to help the younger one," notes Yulia Shapovalova.
The Shabanov family is always together at away competitions. They have already visited Bishkek, Orlovka, and Naryn. The parents worry about their children more than the athletes themselves, understanding the risks associated with this sport.
The main dream of the young athletes is to participate in the Olympic Games, and the parents do everything possible to help them achieve this goal.
Outside the slopes, the Shabanovs lead an active lifestyle, including hiking in the mountains, trips to Issyk-Kul, and bike rides in nature. They are also passionate about snowboarding, although their mother remains loyal to skiing.
The Shabanov family shares their main motto: "Fear nothing, never give up. The most important thing is discipline, determination, and a sincere desire to achieve your goal."
Gallery: The skiing Shabanov family from Karakol.
