Radiomarathon is ‘evolving’, first lady says

The Radiomarathon is “evolving”, first lady Philippa Karsera Christodoulides said on Saturday.

Speaking at an event being held to coincide with the commencement of the Radiomarathon’s annual programme of events, she said the Radiomarathon “as a foundation tries to contribute to messages of respect, diversity, and empathy”.

This, she said, is being done with the hope of “having a world and a just society which respects everyone and is inclusive”. She then called on the public to tune in to the Radiomarathon and “contribute to these messages being heard”.

“We all have to give and receive love, we all have dignity,” she said, adding that the Radiomarathon “will try to be by your side so that you have everything you need for your daily life, for your schools,” with the aim of being able to support people with disabilities and their families.

Additionally, she said those taking part in the Radiomarathon will “encourage or put pressure on” the state, her husband President Nikos Christodoulides, and Social Welfare Deputy Minister Marilena Evalgelou to “provide [children with disabilities] what they need so their lives are more beautiful, and society is more inclusive”.

The Radiomarathon is an annual fundraising event which aims to raise money for children with special needs.

It has faced fierce criticism in the past, with Akel describing it as “condescending” and the Cyprus Confederation of Disability Organisations (Kysoa) saying the government considers children with disabilities to be “people of low perception and intelligence”.

 “Unsuspecting citizens with disabilities, who are invited to sing a song, say a poem, or a few words, as dictated to them by the CyBC authorities and others to keep in the spirit, with the sole goal being to increase inflows into their coffers,” they added.