グラベルレースDrity Kanzaが名称変更

アメリカはカンザス州で毎年開催される世界最高峰のグラベルレース、それがダーティ・カンザ（Dirty Kanza）。

野生のパイソンがかつて生息していたらしい米国中西部の大草原地帯のグレートプレーンズが舞台である。サバンナ気候？ステップ気候？のような高木がほとんど生えていない荒野をひた走る。だが雄大な自然がそこにはある。それが魅力の1つのようだ。

そのダーティ・カンザが名称を変更しようとしているもよう。下の公式Instagramを見てほしい。

この投稿をInstagramで見る

As most of you know by now, we made the difficult decision yesterday to mutually part ways with the founder of Dirty Kanza. On behalf of all of us and our organization, we are truly sorry for the hurt and emotional distress the events of the last few days have caused. Our cycling community is very diverse, and it’s one of the key factors that make us so unique and strong. At the same time, we stand by our decision as a company and by our vision and values that aim to ensure that everyone is accepted and supported. Those visions and values do not have a place for racism, prejudice or discrimination. We are committed to taking action to ensure these values are upheld and continue to be centered in our work both as a brand and as an event. Most of all, we are committed to listening, learning and continuing to grow. As an initial step, in the last few weeks, Life Time has launched a Diversity and Inclusion Council. This council will allow us to act and put intentional focus on changes we need to make internally so our company, clubs and events are a place for everyone. In addition, we have been working throughout this year on options for a name change. Our event name wasn’t created with ill-intent, and while we have worked with and received support from the Kaw Nation, we also understand that our name should not cause hurt. This process does take time, and we want to make this change in the correct manner. Please know that we will share progress as we work through this process. Actions speak louder than words, and we are committed to putting in the continual work to establish long-term, sustainable changes. As a leader in gravel cycling, we are also committed to being a leader in diversity within the cycling community. We acknowledge we have work to do in this regard. We are open to hearing your ideas and encourage you to share them with us. Change is never easy but it is necessary as we continue to grow and spread the joys of gravel with an even broader community. As the community of gravel grows more inclusive and diverse, it will become even more remarkable. With respect & gratitude from your DK / Life Time Team, LeLan, Kristi, Michelle, Treva and Kimo

Dirty Kanza(@dirtykanza)がシェアした投稿 – 2020年 6月月21日午後5時40分PDT

昨日、「反差別（BLM)運動とグラベルレースDirty Kanza。出資者が追放。」という記事を書いたのもあって、「差別どうこうが原因か？」とも思ってしまうが、どうやら関係ないもよう。というのも、

we have been working through this year on options for a name change.

訳「名前変えようかと今年は動いてたんよ」

と書いてあるので、「米騒動」とは無関係にもともと名前を変えようと思っていたもよう。

どんな名前になるのか、いつ変更されるのかなど詳しいことはまだ不明。公式もまだ決定までに時間かかると言っている。

現在のDirty Kanzaという名称は、カンザス州とも関係あるが、実はオクラホマ州の先住民族コー族とも関連しているらしい。