RIA Novosti Roundup -- Google Marks Sochi Olympics

Google Marks Sochi Games With Gay Rights Doodle

Google marked Friday’s opening of the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi with a new doodle that contains the rainbow colors of the LGBT emblem and a quote from the Olympic Charter.

The doodle appeared to be a thinly veiled response to a recently adopted Russian law banning the promotion of homosexuality among minors. The law has attracted international criticism in the run-up to the Olympics.

The doodle features the main sporting events that will be taking place in Sochi, including skiing, snowboarding and curling, each depicted inside a brightly colored box. The doodle is also featured on Google’s Russian site.

The Olympic Charter quote underneath the doodle reads: "The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practicing sport, without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play."

Gay rights activists say the law passed in Russia last year criminalizing the promotion of "non-traditional sexual relations" to minors has led to an increase in attacks on members of the LGBT community.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon used a speech to International Olympic Committee officials in Sochi on Thursday to urge an end to attacks against gays, bisexual and transgender people. Ban did not single out Russia for criticism, but appeared to be alluding to the law in his remarks.

Prior to the Sochi Olympics, a Scottish brewery launched a "not for gays" beer in protest at Russia’s anti-gay law. The limited-edition "Hello, My Name is Vladimir" beer, bottles of which have been sent to the Kremlin as a gift, features the Russian leader wearing make-up on its label and the satirical phrase "not for gays" in small print across the bottom, The Huffington Post reported.

Sochi Olympic Biathlon Track Comes Up Short

Part of the biathlon track for the Sochi Olympics has had a last-minute extension after coming up 40 meters short of the required distance, technical delegate Max Cobb said Friday.

It is the latest in a string of teething problems for Sochi venues, and comes after changes were made to a slopestyle course several competitors deemed dangerous, as well as work to remove a bump that sent downhill skiers flying through the air.

"We had an issue with the lengthbut we made a change, which takes care of it," said Cobb, the International Biathlon Union’s supervisor for the Olympic competition.

He expressed annoyance at International Olympic Committee rules that he said had prevented earlier course inspections. "Frankly, it's much too late and it creates issues," Cobb said.

The affected area, the 2.5-kilometer loop at the Laura Biathlon and Ski Complex, is due to host its first event with the women’s 7.5km sprint Sunday. The first biathlon competition is the men’s 10km sprint Saturday.

Published by exclusive arrangement with Around the Rings’ Sochi 2014 media partner RIA-Novosti.

For general comments or questions,click here.

20 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics isAroundTheRings.com, for subscribers only.