Press Releases

I am very pleased to welcome you all at the Presidential Palace today on the auspicious occasion of this year’s Cyprus–Russia Gala, aiming to support the Radiomarathon Foundation.

I am also extremely grateful to each one of you attending this wonderful event, and I feel deeply touched to see, once again, so many good friends that keep supporting our noble cause year after year.

Whenever I see you, dear friends, there are some words that cross my mind immediately. Gratitude. Generosity. Philanthropy. Commitment.

I am filled with pride knowing that the Radiomarathon, the biggest and most successful fundraising initiative in Cyprus, will be embraced this year as well with your love and your kind-hearted support. Indeed, since its establishment 27 years ago, in 1991, the foundation has managed to help thousands of children with special needs. Children entitled to love, compassion and solidarity.

The Cyprus – Russia Gala, which I feel enormously proud that it is under my auspices, is now firmly established as one of the main Radiomarathon events for the 12^th consecutive year, celebrating the cultural ties between our two countries, as well as providing the platform to broaden the cultural engagement between Cypriots and Russians.

Cyprus and Russia share a deep-rooted history of long tradition of close and friendly relations based on mutual respect and understanding. However, it is the human values that unite our people, values that are always at the forefront of our longstanding friendship. And I wish to take this opportunity tonight to express my appreciation to Ambassador Osadchiy for our close cooperation and his continuous efforts in expanding these sound relations.

But although the Cyprus – Russia Gala reminds us of the common desire of both countries to strengthen their cultural ties, charity remains at the heart of this wonderful event.

Tonight, we honour your generosity, your time and devotion to the purpose of our foundation and your essential support towards children with special needs.

All of us at this Gala tonight, have the opportunity to shape and impact lives. Personally, as the First Lady and in chair of the Administrative Committee of the Radiomarathon Foundation, I feel inspired by the countless stories of changed lives as a result of the hard work of this organisation.

Our foundation aims to bring hope, strength and joy to these children and their families during their most difficult and challenging times. There is no doubt in my mind that the foundation will continue to flourish, but for this to happen we should all keep lending our full support to this loving purpose.

Building a caring and compassionate society is one of the main priorities of the Government. But for decades now, charity is synonymous with volunteerism. Even the Government needs our support, and we are all here to provide it. Various organisations with extensive humanitarian and charitable work have proved to be a valuable supplement to the Government’s policies and efforts in helping those in real need.

I want to take a minute and express my sincere thanks to so many people who have made this Gala so successful. Special mention goes to the organisers, Mrs. Olga Balakleets and the highly professional teams of Ensemble Productions and PR Partners for working so hard to bring this event together.

Our deepest gratitude goes also to all the energetic and committed volunteers at the Foundation for making everything we do possible and, of course, to our generous sponsors and donors for their valued contributions over the years.

Furthermore, please allow me to pay homage to all my colleagues at the Radiomarathon who continue upholding the standards that defined this foundation since its establishment, and it is not an overstatement to say that their tireless efforts and endeavours cannot be captured in words.

The depth of work carried out at the Radiomarathon is extraordinary. A foundation truly connected to the social issues it seeks to solve. It is a testament of the drive and the enthusiasm of everyone involved. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Despite the difficulties, you all stand firm. Every single year. Your passion has been your compass and you all keep pushing us to no longer accept the unacceptable. And therein lies the strength of spirit that binds us together, the power of working together.

Your positive impact on our younger generations is unique and inspiring, and our aim is to encourage more people to join this humanitarian purpose.

And this is the magic of this Gala.  Ιt brings together people of outstanding impact.

(RM/LF/II)