It was one of the photos that made the rounds of the internet shortly after the October 28 parade, gathering hundreds of comments and notifications. Starring two high school students. One student pushes his classmate sitting in a wheelchair, parading both of them proudly for the first time.
The Reporter website wanted to meet the two classmates and friends from Anthoupolis, who without any effort, just taking it for granted, managed to move thousands of people in the parade of 28th October receiving a big and warm applause from the world.
After a telephone conversation we had with Vangelis's mother, Gianna Tsacha, she welcomed us to her house to introduce us to her Vangelis, her eldest son and his classmate Marino, who on Sunday, like she confesses, they made her very proud. «Vangelis is a child with muscular dystrophy. The experience of the parade was something new for him since he participated for the first time. It made me very happy and proud as well as Marinos, his friend and classmate who helped him push the wheelchair. I was very happy with all these beautiful words that were written for the children after the publication of the photo on the internet».
"I want to relive this special experience"
Throughout our conversation, Vangelis and his friend Marino sit on the couch smiling awkwardly. Vangelis is the first to speak: "Three weeks before the parade my teacher asked me if I wanted to participate. Last year I did not want to but this year, as a senior I thought it would be a good experience. It really was a very beautiful moment that I want to relive in the parade of 25th Of March. I liked it very much. When I heard the applause of the people I was very happy that they applauded us with MarinoVangelis admits and continues: "The health problem I face does not greatly affect my daily life. I read, I do especially English and Spanish and I go swimming twice a week, which I really like. I have my family and friends like Marino who help me if neededHe explains. «I usually use the wheelchair for long distances. At school I have the help of my attendant and I do not need it on a daily basis».
They wanted other children to accompany Vangelis
Marinos then takes the floor and explains that he was not the only one who was willing to accompany Vangelis to the parade. "Many children wanted to take Vangelis. In the rehearsals we did before the parade, our teacher chose me and I was very happy to be able to help. I heard a lot of bravos after they made me feel even more beautiful. I was moved to hear my teachers say well done. "It is very important to help our friends," Marinos concludes.
The two 14-year-old students attend the High School of Anthoupolis. They love computers and technology and surely after school they would like to follow a professional direction that is relevant to these courses. Vangelis has a younger sister while Marinos has three other brothers, one younger and two older. Vangelis loves APOEL very much while Marinos says with a smile that he is not particularly involved in football.
«All I want is for my Vangelis to achieve everything he dreams of and everything that will make him happy. I wish the same for all the children of the world"Were the words of Mrs. Gianna, leading me out of her house.
Source: Reporter.com.cy