Belarusian Children of Chernobyl
Albuquerque, New Mexico
July 12, 2003

Belarusian Balloon Kids The July 12 AAAA flying event had a large turnout of balloonists and guests, including some special visitors from Minsk, Belarus. Each summer the Belarusian Children of Chernobyl, Inc. brings Belarusian children to Albuquerque for fun, good food, clean air and medical care. Thanks to the generosity of AAAA balloon teams, each of these children and their interpreter was treated to a balloon flight. Many of the members of the local families hosting the Belarusian children also received flights. Karen Cotter, President of Belarusian Children of Chernobyl, Inc. says that the balloon outing is always the highlight of the children’s visit to Albuquerque.

Belarusian children join AAAA children in a post-flight sack race

Belarusian children and host families participate in a first flight ceremony

Belarusian children heading aloft aboard Breezy Rider and Ajuua
Dennis Shyrynkin & Tolya Siamionaw with Pilot Tom Fisher