"Admiral Kutin" at the opening ceremony in Marina Gorka - Photo: M. Mägi
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"We welcome you on board the sailing ship SOS Children's Village Marina Gorka, which is about to head for the waves of life full of kindness, smiles and light - to the world of happy childhood," the announcer said. The ceremony took place in spite of the rain on the children's playground, near the gift from the constructors - a ship, which was at the centre of the attention.
President Kutin, who was promoted to admiral of all the SOS ships around the world, urged in his speech to keep the sunlight in the hearts no matter what the weather is like outside. "We are taking this SOS ship on a trip around the world and when we have helped the last child who needs help, we come back to Marina Gorka," Kutin said.
He also praised the beauty of the children who danced at the opening ceremony. "Let the SOS Children's Village and the children who live here be part of the town of Marina Gorka," Kutin phrased his wish for the future.
Photo: M. Mägi
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Children and their mothers were invited on board the SOS ship, as they are the most important part of the crew. Each family opened a word on the sail, which characterises the life at the SOS ship. The following words were opened by the families: kindness, friendship, respect, wisdom, harmony, trust, love, joy, beauty, dreams, hopes, delicacy and inspiration.
Finally, the village director, who was promoted to captain, blessed the ship by breaking the children's champagne against the boat. Mothers' representative Irina repeated admiral Kutin's idea that the most important in their work is to keep a gleam of hope which makes the day better even if it's raining.
At the opening ceremony were representatives from local and state governments who wished 7 feet water under the keel of the ship. After the official part of the ceremony children could enjoy the show from the local dance studio, music school and even from the SOS Children's Village Borovljany. As the rain strengthened all the children and the performers moved to the hall where they enjoyed the last show - the children's circus.
SOS Children's Village Marina Gorka has been in operation since summer 2004, it's situated in Minsk region and at the moment there are 63 children in the village.