KIDS ENJOY DAY OF UNITY, CELEBRATION.Byline: Angie Valencia-Martinez Staff Writer Youngsters from a variety of ethnic groups embraced unity and diversity Saturday at Youth Quest 2005 - where scores took part in a parade, talent show and a friendly ``tug-of-peace'' contest. The multigenerational mul·ti·gen·er·a·tion·al adj. Of or relating to several generations: multigenerational family traditions. , multiethnic mul·ti·eth·nic adj. Of, relating to, or including several ethnic groups. Adj. 1. multiethnic - involving several ethnic groups multi-ethnic crowd munched on hot dogs and hamburgers, and children of all ages performed Shakespeare, sang and danced in a day filled with activities. ``We want our youth to share in our similarities rather than fight over our differences,'' said Jim Batz, a youth leader with event sponsor Soka Gakkai Soka Gakkai (sō`kä gäk`kī) [Jap.,=Value Creation Society], Japan-based independent lay Buddhist movement. A theological offshoot of Nichiren Buddhism, it was founded (1930) as the Soka Kyoiku Gakkai [Value Creation Educational International. The group is an American Buddhist association that promotes world peace and represents a broad range of ethnic and social backgrounds. ``We're talking about raising the next generation of people. ... They'll be responsible for world peace,'' Batz said. Ivanne Deneroff added that, despite differences in race, religion or language, ``We are unified in the goal of world peace while celebrating diversity.'' Attendees wore Youth Quest shirts, carried signs with rainbows symbolizing sym·bol·ize v. sym·bol·ized, sym·bol·iz·ing, sym·bol·iz·es v.tr. 1. To serve as a symbol of: unity and harmony and performed in front of the gathered guests. Madeline Brownfield See greenfield. , 17, said the day was about empowerment in a supportive atmosphere. ``They're getting an opportunity to express their talents,'' she said. ``They've created something to share with the community. ``Youth rarely get an opportunity to show leadership or be a part of something special.'' Angie Valencia-Martinez, (805) 583-7604 angie.valencia(at)dailynews.com CAPTION(S): 4 photos Photo: (1 -- 4) A feast was laid out, top, for kids at Youth Quest 2005 on Saturday at the SGI-USA San Fernando San Fernando, city, Argentina San Fernando (săn fərnăn`dō), city (1991 pop. 144,761), Buenos Aires prov., E Argentina. It is a district administrative center in the Greater Buenos Aires area. Community Center in Panorama City. Above, Sadie Schwolsky, 7, of Valley Village makes a collage collage (kəläzh`, kō–) [Fr.,=pasting], technique in art consisting of cutting and pasting natural or manufactured materials to a painted or unpainted surface—hence, a work of art in this medium. . Above left, Encino's Joktan Wright, 10, wins a candy contest. At left, older participants take salsa lessons. Joel P. Lugavere/Special to the Daily News |
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