The AMJ Run for Bradford is also about building community – bringing together residents of all backgrounds, to run in support of the Library, Recreation Complex, Family Health Centre and local Heritage.
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| They're off! All ages participated in the 3K Run/Walk, in the Ahmadiyya Muslim community's Run for Bradford (BWG) held in Bradford, Ont. on Saturday May 23, 2015. Miriam King/Bradford Times/Postmedia Network |
Source/Credit: Bradford Times
By By Miriam King | May 28, 2015
May 23 was a day of celebration in Bradford – celebrating everything that gives the community its unique character, from its agricultural roots to its multi-cultural population.
Saturday saw the Opening of the Bradford Farmers' Market; the annual Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at “Run for Bradford (BWG)” – a fundraiser for leisure, culture and heritage; and the BWG Diversity Action Group's launch of a Peace Tree, and announcement of the winners of the “What Diversity Means to Me” essay contest.
It all took place in and around the Bradford Public Library & Cultural Centre, which has become the heart and hub of the community since it opened its doors in 2011.
At the Bradford Farmers' Market, shoppers bought fresh produce, the cured meats of European Meat, Sheldon dairy products and Empire cheeses, hand-made soaps, baked goods, jams and preserves, cut flowers, crafts and doggie treats from new and returning vendors.
Mayor Rob Keffer spoke of the importance of Agriculture to the economy of Bradford West Gwillimbury, and thanked vendors and shoppers for supporting the Market and the Shop Local movement.
He was joined by members of his Council, and by King Twp. Councillor Avia Eek who noted, “We share the (Holland) Marsh. It's all about Agriculture being the backbone of the community” - and the Farmers' Market being “a community-builder.”
The AMJ Run for Bradford is also about building community – bringing together residents of all backgrounds, to run in support of the Library, Recreation Complex, Family Health Centre and local Heritage.
For the past 4 years, the Run has been held at the AMJ Property, on 10 Sideroad. This year, the decision was made to bring the 5th annual Run for Bradford into town, in the hope that “we will have more visibility, and more people,” said Organizer Munawar Chudary.
Mayor Keffer presented a Certificate of Appreciation, thanked the AMJ Community for its ongoing support, and for creating an event that stresses the importance of fitness.
There are now 65 Chapters of the AMJ Community in Canada, and many of them have launched community Runs. The Run for Vaughan, established 12 years ago, attracts approximately 1000 runners, and will be taking place at Canada's Wonderland in September. Next year, new Runs will be launched in Milton and Vancouver.
National Vice President of the AMJ, Aziz Khalifa told the Mayor, “Members of our community are going to always be there for a good cause. We'll be there to help you.”
Among the members of Council participating in the 3K Run/Walk or 5K Run, Councillor Gary Baynes called the launch of the Market and the Run for Bradford “a double-header,” noting that the town is known for both the Holland Marsh, and for “fitness and recreation.”
In fact, it was a “Triple-header”, as the new BWG Diversity Action Group announced that essay contest winners Victoria Tran (15 & Under age category), and Angie Wright (16 & older) had won iPad Minis, and invited residents to decorate a Peace Tree with symbols of their culture and roots.
Councillor Raj Sandhu called it fitting that both the AMJ Run and Diversity Action Group event were held at the Library - “a great place, the centre of the Town.” Sandhu pointed out that the AMJ Community's motto, “Love for All, Hatred for None” perfectly expresses the goal of the Diversity group: that “together, we can make a positive society.”
The Peace Tree, bearing “a symbolic representation of every culture,” will be on display at the Library until June 27. Residents are invited to tie a coloured ribbon to a branch – or bring their own symbol of their roots, to display and share, and celebrate.
For the record: Overall Winners of the 2015 Run for Bradford (BWG) -
1st – Fernando Carvalho; Amanda Young
2nd – Ibrahim Atif; Kate Stewart
3rd – Zain Siddiqui; Katherine Hudgins.
Winners were also announced in the 0-19, 20-34, 35-49, and 50 plus categories.
Read original post here: Canada: AMJ Run for Bradford - Celebrating Bradford West Gwillimbury!
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