2ND ANNUAL AYF CYCLE AGAINST DENIAL RAISES AWARENESS OF GENOCIDE
Asbarez
Apr 28th, 2010
ENCINO, CALIFORNIA
More than 400 community members took part in a bike-a-thon Sunday to
commemorate the Armenian Genocide during the Cycle Against Denial, an
event organized by the Armenian Youth Federation San Fernando Valley
"Sardarabad" chapter.
Cycle Against Denial began and ended at the Holy Martyrs’ Armenian
Church on White Oak Avenue. The participants ranged in ages 5 to 73,
with Eric Josephbek’s 5-year old in a bike trailer behind him to 73-
year old Antranik Baghdasarian, a repeat cyclist.
AYF Valley "Sardarabad" Chapter member Aline Karakozian explained
that this event is geared towards the community, to raise awareness
about the cycle of genocide and create activists in promoting the end
of genocides worldwide. "Last year the cyclists went another route;
this year we decided to gain more exposure, cycle past a different
group of people to educate them about genocide as well."
The mob of people cycling down White Oak, Victory, Sepulveda and
Ventura Blvd. in the San Fernando Valley caused for traffic to build
up with the individuals driving by continually asking questions about
why these individuals were riding.
Karakozian went on to explain the bonding experience the event
created. "All these individuals came out to support one cause and they
are all from different backgrounds. Nearing the end of the bike ride
everyone is exhausted, attempting to motivate each other to continue,
creating a bond that forces each and every person to finish."
Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF), with chapters
throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the
world, is the largest and most influential Armenian American youth
organization. Inspired by the past and motivated by the needs of the
future, the AYF actively strives to advance the social, political,
educational and cultural awareness of all Armenian youth.