Mass bike ride in Tashkent dedicated to the World Bicycle Day

June 3, 2018 The Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Uzbekistan jointly with the Cycling Federation of Uzbekistan held a mass bike ride dedicated to the World Bicycle Day in Tashkent.

Heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited in the Republic of Uzbekistan, diplomats, members of the Cycling Federation of Uzbekistan, employees of the Ministry of Physical Education and Sports, cyclists, professional athletes, residents and guests of Tashkent, as well as representatives of the media participated in this sport event.

Symbolic bike ride started from the street of the Turkmen poet Makhtumkuli Fragi in the center of the Uzbek capital. The participants passed along the Makhtymkuli street to the Ashgabat Park.

The holiday continued in the Ashgabat Park, where Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Uzbekistan Mr. Shiri Shiriyev, the head of the United Nations Office in Uzbekistan Ms. Helena Fraser, the Minister of Physical Culture and Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan Mr. Shaokram Isroilov delivered speeches.

In his speech Sh.Shiriyev said that the Resolution on World Bicycle Day was adopted at the initiative of the President of Turkmenistan honorable Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with the support of 56 countries around the world during the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly on June 12, 2018. According to the Resolution, June 3 of each year was declared the World Bicycle Day.

Mr. Sh.Shiriyev stressed in his speech that during the era of happiness of the sovereign state in Turkmenistan, under the leadership of esteemed President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, special attention is paid to the comprehensive development and support of sports at the state level, and to attract the younger generation to mass sport.

In addition, Amabssador Sh.Shiriyev said that the  year 2018 in Turkmenistan is held under the slogan "Turkmenistan-Heart of the Great Silk Road" and during this year Turkmenistan will be hosting international car rally "Amul-Khazar", bicycle competitions and many different events, which undoubtedly testifies to the great attention paid to the development and promotion of various sports under the leadership of the honorable President of Turkmenistan.

The UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, Ms. Helena Fraser, emphasized in her speech that the UN Resolution on the World Bicycle Day was adopted on the initiative of Turkmenistan and became a clear indication of the importance that is given to the development of sport in Turkmenistan. In her opinion, holding of the sport events contributes to ensuring environmental security and plays an important role in formation of the principles of a healthy lifestyle among the younger generation.

The Minister of Physical Culture and Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan Mr. Sh. Israilov in his speech noted the growing Turkmen-Uzbek cooperation in the field of sports, which is being strengthened day by day and contributes to even closer collaboration between youth and athletes of both countries.

Following the bike ride there was a festive concert in "Ashgabat" park with the participation of eminent cultural figures and masters of arts of Uzbekistan. At the concert, Turkmen and Uzbek songs were performed.