Written by: Sarina Di Martino Derksen
Executive Coordinator and Director of Communications for Cycling4Diversity
This year's 2nd annual Cycling4Diversity ride is almost here and I can't believe that we're
under a week away. Next week, from May 22-25th the Cycling4Diversity team will be
travelling from Mission to Victoria, BC. making over 40 stops throughout the nine cities
meeting with wonderful individuals to celebrate diversity and discuss issues regarding
racism and discrimination. This initiative is all about teamwork, creating awareness
and bridging the divisions. By travelling through the different cities and meeting with
students in several schools as well as community organizations, neighbourhoods and with
political leaders, we will once again have the opportunity to encourage discussions that
will help to create awareness regarding some of the significant issues we are facing in our
local communities.
The Cycling4Diversity initiative began in 2011 to celebrate “World Day for Cultural
Diversity for Dialogue and Development” on May 21st - a day proclaimed by the United
Nations. Our goal was to make a number of stops along the way in different cities to
celebrate diversity and build bridges. Our committed Cycling4Diversity team is dedicated
to continuing to spread this important message throughout the years to come.
As Executive Coordinator, I'm excited to be part of this important initiative. It is a honour
to be able to carry this message from city to city and be able to discuss topics of diversity,
racism and discrimination and hear personal life stories and experiences that people have
endured. We're all in this together and stand as one in the fight against discrimination.
Diversity is ever shifting and changing, thus our approach regarding the topic and matters
at hand must reflect such a change. We live in an incredibly diverse country and are
very blessed because of it. Let us not take those living around us for granted or tolerate
discrimination that we might witness first hand. It is our responsibility and duty in life
to stand up against injustices we see take place against others. I urge and challenge
everyone to reach out to someone in their workplace, school or neighbourhood that might
be of a different race or culture and start talking with them. We can not begin to celebrate
diversity until we actually begin talking with one another. Without active dialogue, there
can not be any celebrations.
Prior to the ride this year, we were awarded the proclamation from British Columbia
by the Health Minister Mike de Jong deeming May 20th - 26th as "Cycling4Diversity
Week in British Columbia." Currently for our 2nd annual 2012 initiative, we have been
awarded seven proclamations from various communities and three letters of support from
Fraser Valley mayors. The support and expressed need for such an initiative has been
tremendous.
Founder of the Cycling4Diversity initiative, Ken Herar said: "As being someone that is
South Asian, we are also bringing this awareness to my community. I sometimes hear
unfortunate incidents where South Asians are not playing their part when it comes to
integrating into the community and celebrating diversity. These are important steps
as we move forward in our communities and our nation. We're asking people during
Cycling4Diversity Week from May 20-26th to reach out and establish more intercultural
friendships and experience what diversity is all about. Some of the stops will include:
May 23rd the Khalsa School at 11:30am on 124th Street, Surrey and the P.I.C.S office in
Surrey at 12:30pm. On May 24th The Punjabi Market on Main Street at 3:00pm and the
Richmond Cultural Centre from 5:00-6:00pm. Come out and join us in these celebration "
Anyone who would like to or contribute as a financial sponsor can contact us at
sarinaderksen1@yahoo.com
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