OREANDA-NEWS. On October 27, 2007 the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) office in Kyrgyzstan organized the Third Annual Charity Football Match in Bishkek’s Spartak Stadium, where the team comprised of alumni of US government sponsored exchange programs defeated the International Team by a score of four to one, reported the press-centre of IREX.

The game’s score was largely irrelevant, however, as the goal of the annual match was to raise money for a good cause. Through individual donations and sponsorships, alumni of US government sponsored exchange programs raised 38,762 Kyrgyz soms—approximately $1107.63 according to the bank rate set by the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan. Alumni will use this money to purchase winter clothing and boots for the 76 children of the Uch Korgon Orphanage in Batken Oblast and present them at an event to be held at the orphanage in the next few weeks. Alumni also collected donations of books from the Soros Foundation, the US Embassy, and the online store Svetofor.kg.

Alumni of educational programs would like to express sincere gratitude to all of the people who helped make this charity event a success.

During the game, spectators were also treated to vocal performances by young Kyrgyz singers, cheerleading and dance troupe performances by students of the American University of Central Asia, a silent auction featuring drawings of children from the Uch Korgon Orphanage, and a raffle of items donated by various sponsors.

Numerous alumni of the Edmund S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship Program from both Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan were also in attendance, as the alumni from Kazakhstan came to Bishkek to participate in a joint Re-Entry Workshop later that afternoon. Nearly thirty five alumni from both Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan actively participated in panel discussions with representatives from the academy, businesses, and non-governmental organizations. Guests provided advice on conducting an effective job search, improving one’s professional skills, and the development of job prospects in various sectors of the economy. Panelists and alumni, along with other leaders of businesses, international governmental and non-governmental organizations, and the government of Kyrgyzstan participated in an evening reception at the Hyatt Regency hotel. The US Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Marie L. Yovanovich, welcomed alumni and guests at the reception. In all, over forty different organizations and businesses were represented, including those for which Muskie alumni are employed.