The Kyrgyz Republic is home to the pearl of Central Asia – Lake Issyk-Kul, a government protected biosphere reserve and recognised by UNESCO as the second-largest high mountain lake in the world. [...] Cholpon-Ata, a city in the heart of this region, is host to the Second World Nomad Games. Around 10,000 people were present at its spectacular opening ceremony. 

The U.S. Embassy in Bishkek says that a U.S. delegation comprised of rodeo cowboys, Native American dancers, Peace Corps Volunteers, and an American Indian carpet weaver will participate in the Second World Nomad Games on September 3-8 in Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan.

This series of events will draw international attention to the small, landlocked nation of 5.72 million. The World Nomad Games, in particular, will draw the kind of benign soft power attention most countries relish. The attention is much desired, especially when it comes with a potential boost to tourism in one of the region’s poorest states.