Big party to welcome children of Belarus

AS part of the commemorations to mark the 30th anniversary of the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl, Castlebar Outreach Group of Chernobyl Children International, who annually host a number of children from Belarus, hosted a big party in Castlebar Tennis Club for this year’s group who are staying with local families for two weeks.

Special guest was Michael Ring, Minister of State for Regional Development, who said it was a great honour for him to be present at such a special occasion.

Minister Ring gave a huge welcome to the children of Belarus and was loud in his praise for the members of the Castlebar Outreach Group.

He said: “I would like to give a very special welcome to the children of Belarus who are spending some time with their host families here in Castlebar. I would also like to welcome those who travelled with these children. I am sure they will have a wonderful holiday here in Ireland.

“I want to pay a special tribute to the Castlebar Outreach Group members and their families. What you do each year is amazing for the children of Belarus. I know many of you have travelled, and continue to do so, over to Belarus to give a helping hand to these special people. No words of mine could do justice to this great work you do.”