Because of the successful audience attendance, the Shanghai-based Austrian company AT&S invites a group of children from Ninglang Town, province of Yunnan, to a two-day-trip to the EXPO. The ten children, who have so far never left their home province, may not only admire the numerous multi-media picture walls in the Austrian pavilion but rather also taste Austrian cuisine and participate in the many opportunities of interaction offered in the course of the exhibition. The contact with the Austrian pavilion was established by the Austrian Honorary Ambassador, the football player Sun Xiang, who until recently had played in a Viennese football club. Together with his twin-brother Sun Ji, Sun regularly supports the Yunnan children and explains rather happily: “I am so happy that we have been able to make one of their biggest dreams come true.” The visit of the children was also supported by the Austrian company Northland, who sponsored gift packages for all kids.

Special day for disadvantaged children

The Austrian pavilion has deliberately decided for a charity event on the occasion of the one millionth visitor. “It is a rather central concern for us that not only privileged visitors but rather also children who cannot afford the visit of the EXPO are given the rather unique chance to get to know Austria and the big wide world on the EXPO 2010”, explains Deputy Commissioner, Birgit Murr. “We want to intensify the friendship existing between our host China and Austria via these projects“. In the last couple of weeks the pavilion has already opened its gates for a group of visually impaired children from Shanghai as well as a class of pupils of migrant workers.