2007年VOA标准英语-American Figure-Skating Champion Michelle Kwan
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By Peter FedynskyMoscow
19 June 2007
This year marks 200 years since the United States and Russia established diplomatic relations. The U.S. Embassy is coordinating1 several events to mark the anniversary. VOA Correspondent Peter Fedynsky reports from the Russian capital as part of the program, American figure-skating champion Michelle Kwan engaged in some people to people diplomacy2 with a visit to a Moscow orphanage3.
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| Kwan Explains American basketball game of Horse |
Michelle Kwan, Olympian and five time world figure skating champion, visited a bedroom at Moscow's Orphanage Number 23. Kwan engaged the children in their classrooms, playground, and basketball court, which is flooded in the winter to serve as a skating rink.
Speaking in a small auditorium4, Kwan spoke5 about the importance of hard work and perseverance6
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| Kwan autographs and gives children t-shirts marking 200 years of relations between the US and Russia |
Kwan said making connections with children, trying to inspire them, is her form of public diplomacy.
Commenting on 200 years of U.S.-Russian relations, orphanage director Vlada Volokhatova said there is no direct connection between traditional diplomacy and Michelle Kwan's visit.
Nonetheless, Volokhatova says diplomacy is not just about diplomats7. She notes that communication between ordinary Americans and Russians is also part of good relations.
Throughout this bicentennial year, U.S. diplomats in Russia will be celebrating other areas of Russian-American cooperation since 1807, including health, philanthropy, space, business, and rule of law.
