Natalia Vodianova

Model, philanthropist and Sochi 2014 Ambassador

“I`m proud to take this new role for Sochi 2014”

Natalia Vodyanova is a world-famous model and is the face of some of the most famous fashion houses in the world. She is also a notable public figure and a Sochi 2014 Ambassador. Born and raised in Nizhny Novgorod, Natalia began work early to help support her family, notably her two sisters, one of whom suffered from disabilities from birth. Natalia's life changed when she was noticed by a scout from a well-known modeling agency which gave her the opportunity to travel to Europe and financially support her family. She later married and gave birth to three children. Natalia has also founded a charity which went on to build more than 100 play parks and playgrounds throughout Russia, all equipped for children with disabilities. This is a cause Natalia is particularly close to. Natalia became a Sochi 2014 Ambassador on the first Paralympic Day celebrated in Russia. Along with other Ambassadors; visually impaired singer, Diana Gurtskaya and Paralympic champion Sergey Shilov, Natalia greeted visitors to the festival on the Red Square. She spoke of the importance of changing people’s attitudes in Russian society towards people with disabilities and highlighted her srong belief in improving their standards of living. Through being a Sochi 2014 Ambassador, Natalia is helping spread the ideals of the Paralympic Movement.