AMCHAM MEMBER IREX ORGANIZED SUCCESSFUL
ANNUAL CHARITY FOOTBALL MATCH AND JOINT MUSKIE RE-ENTRY EVENT. AMCHAM IN THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC PROVIDED INFORMATIONAL SUPPORT TO THIS EVENT THROUGHT ITS EDITIONS AND GLOBAL NETWORK.

On Saturday, October 27, the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) office in Kyrgyzstan organized the Third Annual Charity Football Match in Bishkek's Spartak Stadium, where the team comprised of alumni of US government sponsored exchange programs defeated the International Team by a score of four to one. 
The game's score was largely irrelevant, however, as the goal of the annual match was to raise money for a good cause. Through individual donations and sponsorships, alumni of US government sponsored exchange programs raised 38,762 Kyrgyz somsapproximately $1107.63 according to the bank rate set by the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan. The money would be used to purchase winter clothing and boots for the 76 children of the Uch Korgon Orphanage in Batken Oblast. Alumni also collected donations of books from the Soros Foundation, the US Embassy, and the online store Svetofor.kg. 
Numerous alumni of the Edmund S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship Program from both Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan were also in attendance, as the alumni from Kazakhstan came to Bishkek to participate in a joint Re-Entry Workshop later that afternoon. Guests provided advice on conducting an effective job search, improving one's professional skills, and the development of job prospects in various sectors of the economy. Panelists and alumni, along with  leaders of businesses and representatives of the international projects and the Government of Kyrgyzstan participated in an evening reception at the Hyatt Regency hotel. The US Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Marie L. Yovanovich, welcomed alumni and guests at the reception. 
IREX is an international nonprofit organization providing leadership and innovative programs to improve the quality of education, strengthen independent media, and foster pluralistic civil society development. Founded in 1968, IREX has an annual portfolio of $50 million and a staff of over 400 professionals worldwide. IREX and its partner IREX Europe deliver cross-cutting programs and consulting expertise in more than 50 countries.