TORONTO, February 3, 2003 -- A rich cultural mix of students at York University have come together to launch the first Multicultural Week, showcasing the cuisines, art, entertainment, and social and religious values that make life at Canada’s third largest university a truly global Canadian experience.
Hosted by the York is U school spirit campaign, the event starts Monday, Feb. 10 at Keele campus with an International Food Fair in the Student Centre’s Underground restaurant. A parade will open Multicultural Village on Tuesday, Feb. 11 in York Lanes, with booths from over 50 student clubs offering food, crafts and cultural exhibits. The main sound stage in the village will feature a variety of acts, from colourful costumed dance to poetry, prayer, and martial arts.
"We wanted to show how the many ethnic groups on campus interact," said Multicultural Week Director Heather McKenzie. "York students tend to be very active culturally and they generally interact in a positive way, so we are celebrating how enriching that environment is."
York is U Chairperson Jeremy Greenberg said there are probably more student clubs at York than at any other university in Canada, with ethnic associations from every continent. "It’s great to see everyone coming together like this in an atmosphere of mutual respect and celebration," he added.
York University President, Lorna R. Marsden, will join the celebration with a brief address on the main stage at noon, Thursday, Feb. 13. Festivities will continue through Thursday till 5 p.m. For a complete schedule of events, check the Web site at: www.yorku.ca/yorkisu/events/multiculturalweek.htm
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For further information, please contact:
| Jeremy Greenberg | Heather McKenzie | Susan Bigelow |
| York is U | York is U | Media Relations |
| York University | York University | York University |
| 416-736-2100, ext. 20230 | 416-420-8620 | 416-736-2100, ext. 22091 |
| jeremy@yorku.ca | hmmckenzie_8@yahoo.com | sbigelow@yorku.ca |
YU/007/03
