Natalya Chistyakova-Ionova Becomes an Ambassador of Friendship

MIAMI and MOSCOW, November 19 - 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: 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.

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