Revolt on Instagram: no Russia, no Games

Riot in Instagram: No Russia, No Games

The flashmob of a St. Petersburg schoolboy in Instagram was supported by sports and show business stars.

The action “No Russia – No Games” began with a touching story – a video message from the mother of the famous Russian skier Maxim Vylegzhanin, suspended for life by the IOC from participation in the Olympic Games. The video was filmed by a schoolboy from St. Petersburg, 13-year-old Roman Starkov. In less than a day the video message has collected about 1 million views, and millions of Russians, including athletes and show business stars, have already joined the action.

The video can be seen on Roman Starkov’s VKontakte page and in the official No Russia No Games group.

Roman Starkov: “We have a large family. An ordinary one, from St. Petersburg. My parents have five children. My mom takes me to trainings, worries about me at competitions. She always supports me, no matter if I’m the first or the last. Does anyone think about how athletes who have been banned from competing in the Olympics for their country feel? Does anyone think about the parents of these athletes?”

In our selection we have gathered photos from the accounts of athletes and showbiz stars who supported the flashmob.

Roman Starkov, excerpt from an interview for Channel One: “It’s a great grief for me, because here we are practicing, we want to compete at the Olympics, and here is such news. I think that six deprived athletes will not be heard, but if our whole country unites, someone will hear us. Without Russia it’s not the Games, it turns out! Because the main competitions are Russia-Norway, in hockey – Russia-Canada. If we don’t have such a match, it’s no longer interesting.

Don’t stay away, post photos with the hashtag #NoRussiaNoGames. Our athletes need your support, and children who are just taking their first steps in sports sections need hope that sport is above politics.