Zwift Launches Black Celebration Series
February 4, 2022
Zwift, the popular online training platform for cyclists, runners and triathletes, has launched the newest edition of its Black Celebration Series (BCS). Kicking off this month, the year-long initiative will celebrate the history, heritage and achievements of Black athletes from around the world.
The app was inspired by the gaming world and utilizes multiplayer online gaming technology to create virtual worlds for its members to explore. During the BCS, ‘Zwifters’ (Zwift members) will be able to ride and run with Black athletes and legends and participate in in-game events, workouts and podcasts that promote education and social impact.
“This is the first externally focused initiative spearheaded by our new Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) department who will also be running internal training and education programs on Racial Justice," said Eric Min, Zwift CEO and Co-Founder.
All BCS cycling and running events will be "held" in New York City, Zwift's recreation home city which the company notes as the location where many legendary Black cyclists got their start. Members will be invited to join special guests including former Olympic cyclist, Nelson Vails, L39ION of LA cyclist, Ama Nsek, Bahati Foundation Elite Team founder and cyclist, Rahsaan Bahati and Olympic track athlete, Aisha Praught-Leer. Also participating are community leaders from the Black Cyclist Network, an inclusive London-based cycling club established in 2018 to address a lack of diversity in cycling, and Level Up Movement, an interactive online training group.
In addition to the social rides, Zwift has chosen the LA Bicycle Academy (LABA), an organization committed to supporting and sponsoring under-resourced youth cyclists, as the BCS charity partner. LABA’s mission centers on supporting communities without exposure and access to cycling. Zwift will donate to the organization to expand its impact and provide the young cyclists with mentoring opportunities that aim to carry them beyond a professional career.
“We've designed these initiatives to celebrate Black athletes and community leaders while, at the same time, taking the opportunity to educate both our external community and our internal employees on the struggles and systemic racism, which the Black community has faced in sport and in society at large," said Lisa Bourne, Senior Director, Diversity, Inclusion & Social Impact at Zwift. "I'm proud to say that we are building a strong foundation for DEIB at Zwift and are empowering the organization to champion DEIB in their day-to-day work - fully recognizing that the DEIB journey is a marathon and not a sprint."
The company is running internal education programs, social impact initiatives and celebratory rides throughout 2022.