PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact: Alexandr Agapov
Russian LGBT Sport Federation
The Russian LGBT Sport Federation announces the start of the Freedom Bike Ride 2016
Vyborg, Russia, (24th July 2015) – During August 2015, five members of the Russian LGBTIQ community launched a new project called the “Freedom Bike Ride”. This inaugural bike ride left Russia, and ended in the city of Stockholm during the 15th EuroGames.
Due to the overwhelming support from the Swedish and Finnish LGBTIQ communities, ensured that this event would take place annually. This year, the bike ride will make its way from the town of Vyborg (24th June), through Russia, cross the Finnish border and arrive into Helsinki, the host city for this years EuroGames, on the 28th June.
The 4-day journey will consist of a daily cycle approximately 50km -80km, with overnight stops in tents along the route of the Kings Road.
During the EuroGames, one of the cyclists will take part in the 10km run.
The Russian LGBT Sport Federation would like to thank the host committee of this years EuroGames in Helsinki, and the European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation for their support with accommodation and financial contributions, without which this project would not be possible.
About the “Freedom Bike Ride”
The sport project “Freedom Bike Ride” was named as an allegory of the path, which the Russian LGBTIQ community has to cover heading for their freedom. The aim of the project is to give the Russian LGBTIQ community a sense of being part of the global LGBTIQ movement. By bringing Russian LGBTI people to a big open LGBTI event and let them know what it feels like to be free and to be who they are. We believe it will be a good contribution to strengthen the emancipation of LGBTI people in Russia.
facebook.com/FreedomBikeRide
http://www.gay-sport.ru/