Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings to the participants and guests of the 17th White Cane International Charity Festival, held in the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia.
The message reads, in part:
“Your wonderful festival never fails to impress with its atmosphere of genuine warmth and hospitality, its rich programme and the outstanding artistry of its young participants. I would like to highlight the extensive and much-needed work of the festival’s organisers – the Answering the Call of the Heart Charity Foundation and the Diana Gurtskaya social integration centre. Thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of many caring and compassionate people, the White Cane Festival has become a platform for children to express their creativity and build friendships, giving them an opportunity to fully realise their talents and skills and feel the reliable support of their senior mentors.
I am confident that this festival will help the boys and girls who have come to Moscow from across Russia and other countries to feel part of a close-knit team of like-minded people, and will leave them with vivid and unforgettable memories.”
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The annual White Cane International Charity Festival has been held since 2010, giving talented children with visual impairments an opportunity to perform on stage together with stars of the entertainment industry.