HEALTHCARE
Miami, Florida, January 19, 2017 – Igor Makarov, philanthropist and businessman, donates funds for the establishment of a clinic for autistic adults in Mount Sinai, Miami.
The Mount Sinai Adult Autism Clinic program is a transformative endeavor designed to empower adults on the autism spectrum. With a comprehensive array of services, including evaluations, medical check-ups, primary and internal medicine care, laboratory tests and electrocardiograms, the program aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals with autism. By focusing on the unique challenges faced by adults with autism, the clinic offers tailored solutions to foster their independence, self-confidence and overall well-being.
What’s truly special about the Mount Sinai Adult Autism Clinic is the service it provides. Housed inside the Lowenstein Building at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach is a staff of doctors, nurses and attendants trained by the University of Miami’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities to treat autistic adults over 18. The clinic is a one-stop shop for patients needing a primary care doctor, specialists such as a cardiologist or neurologist, lab work and diagnostic services.
The clinic staff is trained to be understanding, patient and accommodating, ensuring that everyone feels supported and respected throughout their visit. Communication boards and visual supports are also available to facilitate effective communication for individuals who may have challenges with verbal expression.
In addition, the waiting room of the Mount Sinai Adult Autism Clinic program is designed to create a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals and their families. Its ambiance is carefully curated to promote relaxation and reduce sensory overload, acknowledging the specific needs of individuals on the autism spectrum.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the umbrella term for a series of neurological disorders, which usually manifest between the ages of 2 and 3, that result in social interaction difficulties, verbal and nonverbal communication impairments and repetitive behavior. Depending on the severity, autism can result in anything from anxiety to intellectual and motor-skill disabilities, sleep disorders and self-injurious behavior. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of 68 American children registers on the autism spectrum — a tenfold increase since 1977. Over half a million kids with autism will reach adulthood in the U.S. over the next decade.
Igor Makarov’s contributions have been directed towards developing specialized programs, such as vocational training initiatives that harness the unique talents and abilities of adults with autism. Makarov’s strategic investments in research and staff training have bolstered the clinic’s capacity to continually improve its offerings and outcomes.
ENVIRONMENT
Limassol, Cyprus, May, 17, 2022 – Igor Makarov, philanthropist and businessman, donates funds to construct a park in Malindi on the east coast of Limassol, Cyprus.
Igor Makarov, Cypriot citizen and resident of Limassol, along with other local investors, footed the bill to construct a park in Malindi. Besides covering the construction cost, they also pay for its monthly maintenance. The park sits on 3,000 square meters, which the government has leased to the Chapel Community Council. This free jewel of a public park in the eastern coastal area of Limassol contributes immensely to making the city a better place.
As the construction was finished, it started attracting hundreds of citizens. The park features a children’s playground and paved corridors with benches.
The most unique thing about this park is its aromatic plants—a true gem in the city.
The sponsoring group’s initiative was taken in order to promote and protect the environment of Limassol, with the overarching goal to create as many parks as possible in the city.
SPORTS
Team KATUSHA | 2008-2019
Swiss-registered professional cycling team KATUSHA was one of the most successful teams on the World Tour from 2008 to 2019 and was a part of charity endeavors to develop world cycling pursued by former professional cyclist Igor Makarov.
The history of Team Katusha began with its founder, Igor Makarov, who is also the Founder of ARETI International Group (ARETI IG) and a member of the UCI Management Committee. Through his stewardship, passion, and dedication to the sport of cycling, the Team Katusha brand was synonymous with both athletic excellence and social responsibility.
In late 2008, Team Katusha was founded by Igor Makarov to compete at the highest level of cycling in the UCI WorldTour (formerly the ProTour).
In their first season of 2009, UCI ProTour Team Katusha took its place among the elite of professional cycling.
Team Katusha’s debut roster consisted of 27 professional cyclists from all over the world.
In its first year (2009), Team Katusha won 27 victories, winning a total of 76 prizes. Among the successes of the team: victory in the classic race “Amstel Gold Race,” in the stage of “Tour de France,” in the national championship of Italy, in the classic races “E3 Prijs Vlaanderen,” “Giro del Veneto,” second place in the legendary race “Paris – Roubaix,” prizes in the stages of “Tour de France” and “Giro d’Italia.”
From 2009-2015, the team won 192 races along with 344 podium places. These and subsequent wins firmly established them as one of the three best teams in the UCI WorldTour professional rankings–placing second in both 2012 and 2015, and third in 2013.
The year 2015 proved exceptionally successful for Team Katusha as they broke records across many areas. Katusha riders won 40 races, earned 28 second places, and 35 third places with 100 podium victories in all. The same year, Katusha finished the season, taking second place, and scoring a record number of 1606 points. In 2016, Katusha finished the season in sixth place with 789 points. Notably, Team Katusha’s leader Alexander Kristoff led the team to 20 victories during the season.
In 2017, the team changed its name to Katusha-Alpecin to reflect the name of its second sponsor – Alpecin (Germany).
Team Katusha was more than just a professional cycling team. Katusha’s members established a new level of sportsmanship to become a phenomenon in professional cycling history. The team’s popularity was also the basis for establishing the sports clothing brand Katusha Sports.
The team’s success was achieved through the dedication of its riders, with Joaquim Rodríguez, Alexander Kristoff, Daniel Moreno, Simon Špilak, Filippo Pozzato, Luca Paolini, Ilnur Zakarin and Tony Martin being some of them.
In 2019, Igor Makarov focused on other charity initiatives and endeavors. As a result, in October 2019, Katusha–Alpecin and its World Tour license were taken over by Israel Cycling Academy.
In the present day, Igor Makarov continues to promote and support charity and world cycling ventures all over the world.
SUPPORTING
CHARITY FOUNDATIONS
Miami, Fla, November 22, 2020 – Igor Makarov, philanthropist and businessman, supports The Hublot Best Buddies Challenge: Miami and participates in the world-class 70-mile cycling event to support Best Buddies International’s mission to create opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development and inclusive living.
“In this difficult world that we live in, there are people that are less fortunate than us that need our support and it is our responsibility to help as much as we can, and Best Buddies provides supporters the opportunity to do so,” explained Mr. Makarov.
The Hublot Best Buddies Challenge: Miami gave Mr. Makarov, a former professional cyclist, an opportunity to support Best Buddies and also, enjoy what he loves most, cycling.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the Makarov Foundation and its commitment and dedication to work together towards a more inclusive world for individuals with special abilities,” said Anthony K. Shriver, founder, chairman and CEO of Best Buddies International. “Mr. Makarov’s generous support and willingness to become a part of this work provides the critical resources needed to elevate our mission internationally and reach more monumental milestones.”
The mission of the Makarov Foundation is to enrich the lives of others through grants and gifts to non-profit organizations. The Foundation makes an impact by supporting causes in multiple areas, including autism, children’s welfare and creating opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Hollywood, Florida, February 23, 2020 – The 11th annual ANF Group Tour de Broward, presented by the Makarov Foundation, topped $700,000 for the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood to expand programs, services and facilities for children and families at the hospital. More than 7,000 people attended the event at Miramar Regional Park, participating in 50K and 100K bicycle rides, a 5K timed run, a 3K walk and the “Power of Play Kid Zone,” a sports-themed fun area for children 13 or younger.
In its 11-year history, Tour de Broward has raised more than $5.1 million for pediatric healthcare in South Florida. Among those attending were current and former patients/families, teams of fundraisers, and participants dressed in festive outfits and displaying inspirational messages.
The Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is one of the region’s leading pediatric facilities. Part of the Memorial Healthcare System, it currently has 226 licensed beds, seven operating rooms and an entire floor dedicated to pediatric oncology, all in a caring, compassionate setting designed specifically for children.
It is also South Broward County’s only level one pediatric trauma center, combining advanced technology, the expertise of some of South Florida’s most diverse, board-certified specialists, and a patient and family-centered focus to heal the body, mind and spirit.
The nonprofit Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation provides philanthropic funding, in part through events like Tour de Broward, to support the children’s hospital’s mission.
The mission of the Makarov Foundation is to enrich the lives of others through grants and gifts to non-profit organizations. The Foundation makes an impact by supporting causes in multiple areas, including autism, children’s welfare and creating opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.