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WORLD> America
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The world's biggest Obama supporter
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-10-17 09:51 ROCHESTER, Minnesota - Igor Vovkovinskiy's favorite T-shirt proclaims him the "World's Biggest OBAMA Supporter." And at 7 feet 8 inches (2.38 meters) tall, he likely is.
"My shirt is my small way - my big small way - to help get Barack Obama elected," said Vovkovinskiy. Vovkovinskiy has pituitary gigantism and his mother brought him from their home in Ukraine in 1989 to get medical treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He is now a US citizen. Two surgeries saved his life but failed to stop his growth. His youth was a challenge, but now, at 26 and finished growing, he has learned to be philosophical about his size. Philosophical and funny: "Life is Short, I'm Not," his business card says. "I'm 7'8". I have size 25 shoes. My weight is none of your business. So stop asking questions." Vovkovinskiy volunteers at Obama election headquarters where he works five or six hours a day answering the phone, handing out campaign literature, keeping up a database and talking to lots of people. "I like to talk to people who have the same common sense I do," he explained. "I love hearing their ideas and excitement that there might finally be change." His work station, assembled to suit his size, includes a sturdy oak chair custom-built by an Amish craftsman. He delights in attending political rallies where he can use his height to promote his candidate. "Whenever I have a chance I like to hold up an Obama sign," he told AFP. "And when I hold up a sign, it's 10 feet (three meters) in the air." Barack Obama has yet to meet his biggest supporter, but Michelle Obama, in Rochester for a rally on Monday, spotted Vovkovinskiy in the crowd. He was, of course, wearing his "World's Biggest OBAMA Supporter" shirt. She gave him a thumbs up and later asked to have her picture taken with him. Vovkovinskiy described the meeting in a single word: "awesome."
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