By Michail Baskov,

During the weekend of August 23-26 I have participated in a charity Bike Ride, which was run in order to collect money for financing Downside Up - a charity organization supporting parents of children with Down syndrome.

I must say that due to the nature of my job as an airline analyst, I am a rather skeptical guy, especially when talking about charity organizations, especially in Russia, and I barely take anything for granted. However, this is the second time I am participating in this particular Bike Ride, and I am planning to come again and encourage my friends from other companies to join me.

Reasons for my faith are multiple. First of all, during this event, we have a chance to meet the people who are directly involved in the activity of Downside Up in Russia: managers, teachers, sponsors, organizers, trustees, and parents of the children who are part of the Center's programs. We all ride together, suffer together, have fun together, and tend to know each other better. And when you meet these real people, it is easier to make up one's mind - should I trust them, or not; is it the right cause or not. Secondly, we had a chance to visit the Center itself and to see how it all works, to see the children, to see how our money is being spent, which also helps to build confidence. Thirdly, it is always a "crowd principle". Since I saw that other well-established companies are donating for this cause, it makes me feel easier. If those people did their homework in selecting Downside Up as place to donate money, I should not worry much.

But the most important reason perhaps, is that after I learned more about Down Syndrome itself (during my interactions at the ride with the Downside Up staff and the parents of children with this syndrome) and about how early intervention into the lives of these children can make a difference, and how they are usually abandoned in Russia, and even more than that, how parents are encouraged to abandon their children, I became really overwhelmed. However, just the mere fact that I now know the truth and can spread the word, and perhaps in some indirect way make a difference, which could mean the difference between life and death for another Russian child, makes me feel somewhat better. And I want to be part of this. And make that difference.

Also, this Bike Ride was a wonderful experience just by itself. Having participated earlier in organizing event of similar magnitude, I can imagine what a hard job it is. Thumbs up to the organizers! Job well done! It was a smooth ride, very easy; the food and accommodations were good; the picnics, entertainment and nature were wonderful; transportation was always ready and functioning and the support from the GAI traffic police was always there. It was a safe and interesting activity.

Thank you for giving me a chance to do the right thing and have fun.

Click to view all photos of the Bike Ride 2002

We are very grateful
to the following companies
and organisations for their generous support: