Press Releases

I would like to begin by expressing our warm welcome and heartfelt gratitude to all of you attending this year’s Cyprus-Russia Gala, in aid of the Radiomarathon Foundation.

Tonight’s Gala is a true celebration of our past, present and future, reflecting on the long-standing friendship and the close and enduring relations between Cyprus and Russia.

Our two countries share deeply-rooted historical bonds and this event is another initiative that significantly boosts the momentum of our cultural ties.

The strong people-to-people links, based on shared values and mutual respect, constitute the solid foundation of these cordial relations.

At the same time, we do acknowledge that the friendly and expanding Russian Community in Cyprus has always stood by our side during the most difficult and challenging times.

But as we have mentioned on numerous occasions in the past, charity and philanthropy remains at the core of the Cyprus-Russia Gala, something that is obviously demonstrated again tonight.

Radiomarathon, the most successful fundraising initiative in Cyprus, is considered to be one of the pioneers of the charity movement on the island, still playing an integral part in creating a strong sense of social responsibility.

As the First Lady and in Chair of the Radiomarathon Committee, I wish to reiterate that it is our overriding priority to continue helping all children with special needs, as well as their families, and have a positive impact on their lives.

There is a wealth of evidence proving the exceptional work carried out by the foundation, in particular the thousands of volunteers helping us every single year.

We remain profoundly devoted and committed to keep creating the necessary conditions for our organization to operate and expand in an effective and responsible manner.

Our Committee also has the added responsibility towards all of you who channel your generosity every year into action. Maintaining your trust is of outmost importance for us and, to this end, I wish to assure you of the just allocation of the raised funds in complete transparency.

We deeply care about our work. It is a projection of the values of the volunteers and everyone involved at the foundation, values we aim to continue instilling to the younger generations and the public servants of tomorrow.

Our collective effort is always focused on reaching out to these children from disadvantaged backgrounds that urgently need our help. In order to achieve these objectives and realize our aspirations, all stakeholders must continue working closely together.

We are indeed very proud of the organisation’s accomplishments since its establishment back in 1991, but at the same time we do recognise that we could not have delivered on our mission without your generous contribution all these years.

We are truly humbled by your warm support, ladies and gentlemen. There is never a mountain too high to climb. Together we are always stronger.

Before concluding, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the organisers of the Gala, Mrs. Olga Balakleets and Ensemble Productions. Thank you for bringing us together again tonight and for planning and executing everything with so much passion.

I would also like to commend the internationally-acclaimed artists who will, without any doubt, make this evening even more memorable.

At the end of this wonderful event, we will have certainly further consolidated our efforts in serving the purpose of the foundation.

It is my firm belief that the Cyprus-Russia Gala will continue enabling Radiomarathon to fulfil its noble cause in the years ahead.

Thank you for joining us tonight! Enjoy the rest of the evening!

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RM/GA/SCH