Natalya Chistyakova-Ionova Becomes an Ambassador of Friendship

Natalya Chistyakova-Ionova Becomes an Ambassador of Friendship

MIAMI and MOSCOW, November 19/PRNewswire/ --

Natalya Chistyakova-Ionova, the esteemed Russian singer and Pop sensation, has joined forces with Best Buddies International to generously support the charitable organization's mission of establishing one-to-one friendships between student volunteers -- from various Moscow schools -- and youth with intellectual disabilities. Best Buddies was founded by U.S. President Kennedy's nephew, Anthony Kennedy Shriver, and today operates worldwide, in 44 countries that positively impact more than 400,000 individuals annually throughout six continents.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091119/DC13912)

Anthony Kennedy Shriver, who visited both Moscow and St. Petersburg as the special guest of both Alexander Chistyakov and Natalya Chistyakova-Ionova, is thrilled to be able to extend Best Buddies' European activity to newly include the Russian Federation. In particular, Anthony recently remarked his "admiration and applause of both Natalya and Alexander for their exemplary philanthropy, which through their leadership, financial generosity and vision, is singularly making Best Buddies Russia a vibrant new charity" to serve youth with intellectual disabilities in fellowship with the organization's other international programs around the world.

In parallel, Anthony Kennedy Shriver is very excited to welcome Natalya Chistyakova-Ionova, along with her amazing musical talent, as a new Ambassador of Friendship for Best Buddies Russia. Indeed, Natalya recently organized a dynamic photo-shoot with the newest Best Buddies participant, 19-year-old Vera Koloskova of Moscow, to symbolically capture for everyone the mutual joy that everyone can experience by forming a friendship with a person with intellectual disabilities. Vera was equally thrilled to partake in an afternoon of fun, as these two became "supermodel subjects" of one of Russia's most renowned photographers. These captivating images will help illuminate to both students and their families the joy which can be experienced by sharing your friendship with a special friend like Vera. Natalya, in her new charitable role as Ambassador of Friendship, joins other international celebrities like supermodel Cindy Crawford, American football star Tom Brady, and international tennis champion Rafael Nadal, who collectively support Best Buddies around the world.

After her recent Moscow photo shoot with Vera, Natalya Chistyakova-Ionova added that "I am honored to help this worthy global charity further spread its mission of understanding and friendship for Russian youth with intellectual disabilities... helping Anthony Kennedy Shriver expand his support system within Russia and introduce a fun and rewarding volunteer experience to students at both secondary schools and universities, brings both Alexander and me great happiness."

Appreciating Natalya's impressive leadership in the world of music, Anthony Kennedy Shriver welcomes with great anticipation Natalya's commitment to Best Buddies and its global mission of one-to-one friendship and employment for youth with intellectual disabilities. For more information, visit www.bestbuddies.org.

Source: Best Buddies International

Denise Roza of Best Buddies International, +7(499)246-31-03, or +7(916)165-5570, Denise@bestbuddies.ru, droza08@gmail.com

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Profile: International Entertainment