Volunteers wanted for the Telethon 'Children of the World' gathering
Thirty hours of non-stop attractions ! Thats the challenge that Divonne-les-Bains has set itself for the Telethon on 8 and 9 December. This annual event is organised to raise money for research into genetically transmitted diseases. Donations are collected throughout France and the entire proceeds go to the French Association for Muscular Diseases. This year Divonne has been chosen as one of the four French towns to host a centre to which promises of donations can be made and the towns various events will be televised.
The spa town, which has chosen the theme of 'Internationality', is expecting over 40 thousand visitors ! Numerous spectacular attractions are planned. For instance visitors will be able to buy pieces of a giant wooden globe which will be built by members of Frances trade guilds les compagnons de France, with live television coverage. There will also be non-stop sports, cultural, musical and gastronomic events. CERN is taking part in Telethon 2000. An article devoted to CERNs contributions to the attractions on offer will be published shortly.
One of the highlights of Telethon 2000 will be the gathering of children from all over the world. The idea is to bring together 200 children of all nationalities aged between 8 and 14. The children, who must be accompanied, will be dressed in their national costume and will be welcomed by a girl or boy of their own age from the Pays de Gex. There will be a file past of the children carrying their national flags during the opening ceremony on 8 December starting at 6.00 p.m. They will also take part in the closing ceremony at about 9.00 p.m. on 9 December.
If you want to sign your child up for the event you can do so forthwith by contacting :
| Tel. + 41 22 767 85 89 The parental consent form to fill is in the bulletin 44/2000. |
Your children are also invited to take part in a grand drawing competition. The theme of the competition, which is open to children between the ages of 8 and 12 who may receive adult assistance, is 'Design a flag for the world'. Entries must be submitted on a sheet of A4 paper at the CERN Reception (Building 33) before the 12 November with the name, address and age of the contestant. The winner will be invited to the Telethon and will see his or her design reproduced on a canvas measuring 4 metres by 6 metres.
If you wish to help the Telethon Centre in Divonne as a volunteer, please contact
| Tel. : + 00 33 4 50 20 47 48 |
