A virtual friendship struck up on an online gaming site has turned into a long-term reality for Richmondite Laura Padulo and her young Russian backgammon buddy, Ilya Rezvyakov.

Both backgammon junkies, they hit it off chatting during tournaments in spite of the age gap, as reported in The Richmond Review, Aug. 27, 2000.

Since then, Rezvyakov—now an electrical engineering student in Moscow—has visited Padulo and her husband, Terry Gronlie, four times. In return, Padulo has been to Moscow twice to see Rezvyakov and his parents Alexander and Marina Rezvyakov.

“I’m his Canada mommy,” she says, adding that they don’t play backgammon together much now that Rezvyakov is here visiting her on Lulu Island.

Instead, they both continue to play online against other foes every day. Padulo also takes Rezvyakov golfing, a treat as the sport is expensive in Moscow. And they share a fondness for ballet.

Rezvyakov, who refused to let Padulo pay, enjoyed the performance so much, he arranged for them to attend another five performances at the Kremlin Theatre.

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