April 09, 2007: Composer Steve Barakatt and Olympic medalist Elena Grosheva appointed UNICEF Canada ambassadors
QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC (March 9, 2007) - UNICEF Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of internationally reknown composer Steve Barakatt and gymnast and Olympic medalist Elena Grosheva as Ambassadors for UNICEF Canada. They are the first Quebec City residents to join the distinguished circle of UNICEF ambassadors as well as the first couple in the history of UNICEF Canada to be appointed. As part of their commitment to drawing attention to the needs of the world's most vulnerable children, Steve Barakatt and Elena Grosheva will make their first UNICEF field trip to India at the end of March. "Steve and Elena were chosen as ambassadors based on their compassion and deep commitment to helping children around the world. We're very pleased to have them join the UNICEF family," said Nigel Fisher, president and CEO of UNICEF Canada. "Their talents and accomplishments are a true inspiration for young people everywhere. They are passionate about leveraging their position to help raise awareness and to make a difference for the world's children." Steve Barakatt, a musician, performer and composer/producer for a number of artists, was only 13 when he performed as a guest soloist with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra. From the Nagoya Dome in Japan to the United Nations in New York, he has performed in front of hundreds of thousands of people. His wife, Elena Grosheva, an elite gymnast, two-time World Championship medalist and Olympic silver medalist, is also an acclaimed artist with Cirque du Soleil, having performed in more than 1500 shows in over 15 countries. Both Steve and Elena have culturally diverse backgrounds - Russian, Lebanese and French. Their ancestral mix is a source of pride for them, who, on commenting on their background, often express, "We really have natural affinity with the United Nations." They are the perfect UNICEF Ambassadors, feeling at ease with children of all nations. "To be asked to become UNICEF Ambassadors and have the opportunity to help children in need is a great honour. We are proud to accept a role that we will both consider a life mission," said Steve and Elena. "Every child deserves the best start in life, which is what UNICEF is working to provide. In many countries, we take education, safe drinking water and nutritious food for granted. But in much of the world, children do not have access to any of this! We hope our role will help UNICEF champion the rights of children everywhere in the world." Steve Barakatt and Elena Grosheva join a number of distinguished UNICEF Canada high-profile personalities, including the host of CTV shows Canadian Idol and eTalk, Ben Mulroney, world renowned musician, Corneille, Olympic gold medalist Beckie Scott, former prima ballerina and producer Veronica Tennant, C.C., journalist Kate Wheeler and actress Catherine Brunet, who dedicate their time to help raise funds and campaign for the rights of the world's children. UNICEF is the world's leader for children, working in 156 countries and territories to save, protect and enhance the lives of girls and boys. UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, promotes quality basic education, protects children from violence, exploitation and AIDS, and is the world's largest provider of vaccines for developing nations. A global leader in emergencies with six decades of on-the-ground experience, UNICEF saves and rebuilds children's lives in natural disasters and conflict. UNICEF is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, schools, associations and governments.
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