As stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, “Recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.”

In support of this document and all that it stands for the Church of Scientology of Moscow sponsored a series of sporting events to promote Human Rights. Called a Multathlon (a coined word that means “many contests,” participants run, walk, cycle, swim, roller blade, sail, ride etc., in this case for a worthy cause), this program has been supported by the Helsinki Committee, the International Association of Peace Funds, the city Ombudsman's Office, the Moscow Bureau for Human Rights, Moscowskoye Pole Pobedi (Moscow Victory Field) Association, and the Russian division of the International Society for Human Rights.

At a time when news media is dominated by stories of human rights abuses, we are reminded of what L. Ron Hubbard, Founder of the Scientology religion once said:

“When things are not running right, when the public, unable to perceive why, drift down to an apathy below perception, when a culture, already misguided, drifts further and further toward ruin, the nation is fortunate indeed that it has men with the genius to recognize approaching doom and the courage to speak out.”

And we are once again encouraged by the fact that there are so many men and women who do support freedom, and will speak out, as evidenced by the tremendous support this Human Rights Multathlon has received.