African Renaissance and Diaspora Network
50th Anniversary Of Harlem Skyscraper Cycling ClassicThis Father’s Day Weekend ARDN Red Card Campaign Provides Advocacy Message Against Gender Based Violence
| HARLEM, NEW YORK, 17 June 2022. The Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic, founded by David Walker, a New York City Police Community Affairs Officer in Harlem’s 28th Precinct, will celebrate its 50th anniversary this Father’s Day weekend in Harlem, New York, when hundreds of professional and amateur cyclist compete on the nearly one mile course around Marcus Garvey Park. “The Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic is a Father’s Day weekend staple, and to celebrate its 50th anniversary is an amazing accomplishment and testament to the loving support of everyone involved in the community of Harlem, New York.”, said Richard Cox, Director of Unity Sports Productions and event organizer. The African Renaissance and Diaspora Network (ARDN), which is working in collaboration with United Nations system entities, governments, civil society and other stakeholders to popularize the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, is utilizing the cycling classic as a high-end sporting advocacy activation to support and amplify the ARDN Red Card campaign. “The mission of ARDN is to utilize art, sport and culture as advocacy mechanisms to promote various activations in support of the UN SDG’s.”, said Dr. Djibril Diallo, Chief Executive Officer of ARDN. “Aligning the ARDN Red Card campaign, that was launched in collaboration with UN Women, UNDP Africa Bureau, UNFPA, FIFA and the Presidential Council for Africa of the French Republic, with this legendary city and historic cycling event, to promote the abolishment of gender based violence worldwide, on the momentous occasion of Juneteenth, provides much needed visibility and recognition for those women and girls affected most.” This year’s Juneteenth event is part of the inaugural American Criterium Cup series, a 10 race championship endorsed by USA Cycling, which will include the Nelson Vails “fixed-gear” race in honor of the Harlem native — the first African American to ever win a USA Olympic medal in cycling. First race is scheduled for 9a EST., Nelson Vails “Fixed-Gear” race at 1:30p EST and the final Pro/Elite race at 3:20p EST. To view a live-stream broadcast of the Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic, brought to you by CIS Training Systems and GoSoIN.com Tourism visit www.ardn.ngo beginning at 9a EST. |
| Media Contacts: Arlene Katzive, ARDN Director of External Relations, arlene.katzive@ardn.ngo |
| ABOUT HARLEM SKYSCRAPER CYCLING CLASSIC Founded by David Walker, a New York City Police Department’s Community Affairs Officer in Harlem’s 28th Precinct in 1973, the Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic was designed as a community event focused on bicycle racing and safety programs for young men. Presently the Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic is the second oldest cycling event in the US. Nelson Vails, a road and track cyclist from Harlem, won his first series of amateur races at the Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic before becoming the first African American to win an USA Olympic medal in cycling. ABOUT ARDN ARDN is an internationally operating NGO headquartered in New York, with the status of a United States 501(c)(3) public charity. ARDN’s mission is to accelerate the attainment of the African renaissance by advocating for and supporting United Nations programs and priorities. To this end, ARDN mobilizes the passion of government, educators, artists, intellectuals, the private sector, civil society and youth, using the power of art, sport and culture as vectors for creating a better world. ARDN serves as the Secretariat for the Global Alliance of Mayors and Leaders from Africa and of African Descent. ABOUT THE RED CARD CAMPAIGN Women’s rights are human rights. In the game of football (soccer), a red card symbolizes a significant infraction of the rules. ARDN Red Card Campaign seeks to mobilize individuals from all sectors of society to commit to giving a red card to all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls. |
