STAND UP AGAINST BULLYING

BY CRAIG SMITH



In two weeks, the Wind Surf sets sail on Source Event's 10 year anniversary cruise from Rome to Venice. With 10 wonderful years in the business, I've experienced many wonderful and exciting things, but I know that this upcoming trip is going to be rather special.

Onboard this cruise, we have a very special guest - World Cup Rugby Champion, Ben Cohen. Ben's on a voyage of his own, taking the anti-bullying message to the masses. The recently retired England Rugby World Captain has decided not to rest on his laurels, but launched the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation, earlier this year - believed to be the first organisation dedicated to combating bullying worldwide.

Due to recent high-profile attacks on the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, Cohen has chosen to focus much of the Foundation’s attention on homophobia. When we met, he told me that as athletes, it is not enough just to have strong bodies and that strong characters are just as important. He believes that inspirational characters like sports-people must use their voices to support those who need and deserve it. I'm in awe of his passion about standing up for homophobia and his standing up for what is right - supporting young people who are being harmed. Truly admirable, especially as he is the first straight sports star to dedicate his philanthropic efforts for the benefit of the gay community.

On board, Ben will take his StandUp Foundation’s anti-bullying campaign and Acceptance Tour on our cruise and I'm thrilled. Joining Ben as a featured guest speaker on the cruise is world-renowned novelist Armistead Maupin who is equally in awe of Ben - calling him 'heroic'.

The Rome to Venice Cruise is Source Events’ 10th Anniversary Cruise and is a private charter, with ports of call that include Capri, Taormina (Sicily), Kotor, (Montenegro), Dubrovnik and Hvar (Croatia) - part of a growing trend of gay travelers looking for luxury all-gay travel on more intimate ships.

The inclusion of Ben Cohen and Armistead Maupin on the cruise goes hand in hand with the trip's philosophy, that travel should be an experience; an adventure that appeals to Mind, Body and Spirit.

The cruise is very nearly sold out, with just around 5 state-rooms left to book.
For more information or to make a reservation for Source Events 10th Anniversary Cruise - Rome to Venice, go to www.SourceEvents.com, or call Source Events at 1-888-SOURCE8 (888-768-7238) or 305-672-9779 to speak with one of their travel professionals.