Page 46 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 151

46 Issue #151 August 2025 www.sportsenergynews.com

City of Cornwall Unveils Rainbow Crosswalk in

Support of Inclusion and Diversity

By Staff Writer a local organization that has long
advocated for equity and visibility
he City of Cornwall has for 2SLGBTQIA+ residents. Its
Tofficially unveiled a permanent installation is aligned with the City’s
rainbow crosswalk at the intersection Strategic Plan, which outlines goals
of Pitt and First Streets in the heart of strengthening community well-
of the downtown core. The colourful being, fostering a sense of belonging,
installation stands as a vibrant and and enhancing public spaces to
lasting symbol of inclusion, pride, reflect the values of the people who
and support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ live here.
community.
“Diversity Cornwall is thrilled
“This crosswalk, a symbol of unity to participate in the unveiling of a
and inclusion, is long overdue,” said new rainbow crosswalk downtown
Mayor Justin Towndale. “We want Cornwall! This is something that
Cornwall to be a place where people our members have been advocating
feel welcome, where they feel seen for a few years now and we are
and respected. There is no room for ecstatic to see it come to fruition,”
hate or exclusion here.” said Liz Quenville, President of the
Board of Directors for Diversity
The crosswalk was developed in
partnership with Diversity Cornwall, Cornwall. “This is more than just a
Photo Submitted
Brought to you by Ming & Associates colourful crosswalk, it is a symbol social progress. Beyond its visual
the Month
Athlete of
Athlete of the Month of our community’s commitment to impact, the crosswalk is meant
promoting diversity, inclusion, and to serve as a daily reminder that
acceptance of the 2SLGBTQ+ folks inclusion is a shared responsibility.
Raheem Abou Zeid in our region, and of the hard work Looking ahead, the City plans

that our community has done over
Age: 6 Grade: 2 to continue investing in initiatives
the years to advance 2SLGBTQ+
Hometown: Cornwall that promote diversity and equity
Raheem Abou Zeid is a young martial artist who rights.” across its policies, services, and
has been practicing tae kwon do since November of The rainbow crosswalk joins a public spaces. Future efforts include
2024. “Raheem never gives up,” says SDG Tae Kwon growing movement of municipalities community consultations, inclusive
Do head instructor and owner, Master Brent Stang. across Canada that are embracing training for staff, and the continued
Whenever he is given a task, Raheem works at until inclusive public art to signal their support of local partnerships that
he accomplishes it.” commitment to human rights and advance belonging for all residents.
A veteran yellow belt, this young man will be testing for his orange belt Continued from page 46 mathematics,” he explains. His
at the end of July. His goal, of course, is to earn his black belt. “I love most notable accomplishments
everything about my sport,” Raheem explains, Continued on page 46 “especially roundhouse kicks.”
Other students at the dojang include reading and writing in
(Korean tae kwon do studio) three languages: English, French,
notice Raheem’s attention to and Arabic.
detail, willingness to follow Raheem has a very unique take
instructions, and improving self on the importance of tae kwon
Maxwell Ming - P.Eng, CFP ® discipline. do in Canadian communities
Financial Planner Raheem has big plans for his and Canadians generally. “It can
Financial Planning • Investments • Insurance
education and future. “I want protect them from thieves and
613-932-7526 • Max@mingassociates.com
to go to second grade and learn aliens,” he says.