Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear friends,

I would like to express my satisfaction of the honor to be with you at the third Ball of Diversity.

Allow me, on this occasion, to express my special thanks to all supporters and partners of the event, to the members of the scientific and organizing committee, and especially to the organizer, the Association "Give Us Wings" and its president, my friend Mrs. Rebeka Jankovska-Ristevski. I extend my greetings to all of you for the successful organization of the First International Congress for People with Disabilities in the Republic of Macedonia.

Dear friends,

Tonight, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the entire network of supporters - parents, families, friends, psychologists, social workers, special educators, teachers, associations - who stand daily and tirelessly behind the disabled persons, changing the consciousness of our society.

On this occasion, I convey cordial greetings from my husband, the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, and his support for the persons with special needs, from whom we learn in life the most of humanity, solidarity, unity, patience, understanding, love, heartfelt emotion. Through them, we learn to appreciate equality, uniqueness and integration as opposed to orderliness, uniformity and isolation.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We are all in the team of diversity, which, not only tonight, but always, in the game of life will be victorious.

I believe this year again we will send a strong message to all our fellow citizens that our society knows how to live with diversity, recognizing and respecting it.

In this address, I reiterate that it is a privilege and blessing to be together and to share with persons with disabilities. Their love, spirituality, proactive approach, perseverance are a motivation for our entire community. The way they deal with all the challenges in their lives is a constant inspiration for us that strengthens our will to deal with the ordeals on our life paths.

Without them, we would be poor in spirit, because through them we have been given a unique opportunity to be humane and in solidarity. Therefore, instead of being focused on what they cannot achieve because of their incapacity, we should always focus on what they can achieve despite the limitations. It is indeed worthy of the highest respect and sincere joy.

I am convinced that there are no difficulties and obstacles that cannot be overcome if we are together and united. Let us enjoy life and may each day be filled with sharing, love and attention.

I wish you a pleasant evening.