Guest Columns: The Intercultural Dialogue Created By C4D

By Ken Herar. The 2nd annual Cycling4Diversity journey from Mission to Victoria has been successfully completed. The C4D team left May 22nd and arrived into Victoria on May 25th. [Click On image For Full Story]

The 4-day journey saw the team travel 200 km, visiting 9 cities and 40 presentations relaying the message to thousands of people. The team was welcomed by students, government officials and the public during “Cycling4Diversity Week” in British Columbia from May 20-26th.

Cycling4Diversity was created last year when I decided to form a team
to spread the message that we need not only speak about diversity, but
also take a closer look at whether we are celebrating or just talking
about it. The C4D initiative is about promoting intercultural dialogue
which is something I believe we have deviated away from within Canada
. Over the last several years, I have received feedback from readers
that show there are some growing issues which need to be addressed
within our neighbourhoods, workplaces and schools. As being an athlete
myself, I have been noticing many of our sporting teams are starting
to become more and more segregated where ethnic groups are forming
their own teams and leagues. Is this a bad thing or a good thing? In
my own personal opinion, this potentially could become a growing
concern for the future. As our communities become more multicultural,
the very components that we use to promote and celebrate diversity are
the same ones that are isolating us.

Many years ago, I was part of a South Asian soccer team and enjoyed
playing with them very much. A few years ago, a former member of the
Canadian National Soccer Team approached me and mentioned that South
Asians should be representing the town in which they reside and not
isolating themselves or having their own clubs. What he later
expressed, is that they are some of the most talented players within
our communities.

The issue with ethnic leagues or any form of ethnic clubs, is that it
limits our outreach in a multicultural society. Our focus should be on
more integrated teams and activities on and off the field which will
in turn strengthen our relationships in all sectors in how we live so
it doesn’t become an “us vs. them” situation.

Many people supported the concept of C4D last year. They were excited
about how we delivered a message in a unique way that captured the
imagination of many British Columbians. I was encouraged to do it
again this year and in the process the initiative has grown
tremendously. C4D is reflected by a team of individuals who believe in
the message of diversity, culture and the need to address issues
regarding racism. This year the team received 8 proclamations from
local governments and the province of British Columbia .

What’s encouraging about the C4D ride was the level of support was
strong in all the communities we visited: ( Mission , Abbotsford,
Langley , Surrey, New Westminster , Burnaby , Vancouver , Richmond and
Victoria ).

A number of students along the way asked, “How long have you all known
each other?” The riders responded that many of us only met the morning
of the ride. This proves that in order to work together to accomplish
something positive, people don‘t have to know one another.

Diversity is about working as a team, and I’m grateful that I had the
opportunity to work with such fine individuals who are passionate
about building a vibrant multicultural society. Sarina Di Martino
Derksen, Executive Coordinator, who worked extremely hard to make this
2nd annual event a success is already busy planning for the C4D-3 ride
next May. Her vision and commitment took it to a new level and we’re
looking forward to next year. Di Martino Derksen said: “We only had a
couple of short months to plan this entire ride and I’m thrilled with
the success of it. The support from local service providers and
sponsors were incredible. I was deeply moved to see how many people
believed in this important message that we were honoured to carry
throughout our communities. The C4D initiative is committed in
celebrating diversity and discussing issues throughout the rest of the
year: ” Building bridges of dialogue, one city at a time.”

KenHerar@gmail.com