Diversity The event promoted the rebuilding of historical and cultural sites and showed how the town had re-established the trust that was lost when those sites were destroyed. Enthusiasm was high as the town could finally offer normal community activities again. The marathon route passed through key conflict zones, and inhabitants were able to enter previously inaccessible areas for the first time since the conflict had ended. High-level political officials held inspiring speeches that presented the town as a place of unity that provided opportunities for all citizens and visitors. The event showcased how sports can contribute to social cohesion and promote peaceful life by bringing together people from different ethnicities, cultures, races, and nationalities, all running for one cause. Cultural and environmental activities Following a tense pre-election campaign, neighbours were hardly speaking to each other. Trust had been shattered by hate mongering and by politics that benefitted from ethnic segregation. To counter the negative effects of the elections, local NGOs and high school representatives committed to work on community cohesion initiatives that prevented bias and hate. The first community activity marked World Water Day, and reflected unity among the town’s civil society. Alongside local NGOs, high school students from two communities took part in cleaning the local river banks. The activity served as a practical exercise to inspire the wider population to engage in community work and non-political activities, and to move toward a more 90