June 15, 2011
The world recently commemorated the 25th Anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant explosion on April 26. One of the most well-recognized and admired tennis stars in the world, Maria Sharapova, teamed up with the Children of Chernobyl Foundation, San Diego, to offer support to youth now living with the long-term health and environmental consequences of one of the worst environmental disasters in history.
On April 27th a team of representatives from the Children of Chernobyl Foundation and their Belarusian liaisons gifted the Rudensk Orphanage with 75 brand new bicycles donated personally by Maria Sharapova. In addition, helmets, medical supplies, and clothing were donated by the Children of Chernobyl charity. Rudensk is located in a Chernobyl resettlement area near Minsk, Belarus, and is approximately 200 miles north of the Chernobyl exclusion zone that has been deemed uninhabitable.
The approximately 175 children living at the Rudensk Orphanage were delighted to receive the gifts from Sharapova, someone they admire and look to as a role model.
"We are so honored that Children of Chernobyl Foundation representatives have come all this way, from America, to bring our children these wonderful gifts of bicycles," said Valentin Gilevsky, Director of the Rudensk orphanage. "We thank the Children of Chernobyl Foundation and Maria Sharapova for their wonderful generosity to our orphanage children. We hope to continue a relationship with the Children of Chernobyl Foundation over the years to come."
Although Maria was unable to join in the commemorative events due to her tennis schedule, supporting the Children of Chernobyl Foundation's efforts and giving back to those affected in the Chernobyl region is a cause that is near to her heart. Maria's family is originally from the city of Gomel, Belarus, an area particularly hit hard after the nuclear explosion. Maria's mother was pregnant with Maria when the plant in Ukraine exploded, but was able to flee Gomel shortly before she was born. Maria's grandmother and other relatives still reside in Gomel.
"I feel fortunate to be able to make a difference in the lives of these kids," said Maria Sharapova. "These young children, who were not even alive during the Chernobyl explosion, are still suffering the consequences. I hope that my support and the Children of Chernobyl Foundation's visit will make them smile and offer them hope for the future. That is a gift that is truly priceless."
Shortly after the Chernobyl disaster in April 1986, many families fled or were evacuated from the most contaminated areas and resettled in the surrounding regions of Ukraine and Belarus, where the Rudensk orphanage is located. In the years since the Chernobyl explosion contaminated soil and waterways have contributed to poor nutrition and weakened immune systems in people living in the areas around Chernobyl, especially the children. One of the most predominant physical effects of the Chernobyl radiation on children is the profound increase (over 100%) in Thyroid Cancer, a disease rarely found amongst children elsewhere in the world.
About Children of Chernobyl Foundation, San Diego
Children of Chernobyl Foundation, San Diego, is one of many world-wide Children of Chernobyl organizations committed to helping the young victims who continue to suffer from the effects of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident. CCF hosted hundreds of children and youth for summer respite vacations from 1994 through 2008, giving them a break from their contaminated environment and hope for a better future. After the Belarusian government enacted a decree banning children's travel to the USA in 2008, CCF has directed its support to in-country programs such as the Rudensk orphanage.
For more information, visit: www.givehopesandiego.org
Resources : http://www.mariasharapova.com/
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