02:02, 21 January 2014

Astrakhan hosts picket against Olympic Torch Relay

Mikhail Anisenko holding a solo picket to protest against the Olympic Torch Relay. Astrakhan, January 20, 2014. Photo by Elena Grebenyuk for the ‘Caucasian Knot’.

On January 20, in Astrakhan, at the entrance to the building of the State TV and Radio Company (STRC) "Lotos", activist Mikhail Anisenko held a solo picket to protest against the Olympic Torch Relay. He came with a poster reading: "Russian Constitution. Part 1 of Article 3. Funds for development of sport instead of torch relay".

Mikhail Anisenko treats the Olympic Torch Relay as a theatrical event not relevant to the situation with the Astrakhan sport.

According to Mikhail Anisenko, many athletes have to leave Astrakhan for other cities, since in their hometown, they are not provided with necessary conditions.

The activist states that athletes in powerlifting, world champions and champions of Europe, were just kicked out of the gym of the high sport skills school. The gym was given for commercial fitness lessons; however, that situation did not last long. At present, the gym is empty.

"In such a situation with our sport, to carry out the Olympic flame in the Astrakhan Region is nothing else but a slap to the Astrakhan sport," the activist has said.

Author: Elena Grebenyuk

Source: CK correspondent