Simu Liu and Jeremy Lin Bring Basketball and Hope to Markham

According to actor Simu Liu, the Asian Roots Collective festival, known as ARC World, will return to Markham, Ontario, on September 12. The event celebrates Asian culture through food, music, speakers, and a celebrity basketball game featuring Liu and former NBA player Jeremy Lin, shifting its location back to the Toronto suburb where the non-profit organization first began.

Origins and Evolution of ARC World in Markham

The organization behind the festival was originally founded in 1995 as the Chinese Canadian Youth Athletic Association, according to historical background from the group. It initially provided basketball programming for Chinese Canadians. Today, the group operates its own athletics centre in Markham and serves the broader Asian community.

In 2019, the organization partnered with Liu for a celebrity basketball game that raised money for a foundation led by Lin, who was then a member of the Toronto Raptors. The initiative has since expanded into a one-day festival highlighting Asian excellence across industries, bringing together athletes, actors, musicians, entrepreneurs, and chefs alongside local businesses and community groups.

Community Identity and Representation

Speaking from a Muskoka lake where he spent time ahead of his wedding to fiancée Allison Hsu, Liu stated that bringing the event back to Markham helps connect people to their roots while avoiding downtown traffic. He emphasized the importance of representation for younger generations.

“An event like this is necessary today because I think you still have kids that grow up a little bit unsure of how to feel about their identity,” Liu said, according to his interview. Liu starred in the 2021 film “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” and is slated to appear in “Avengers: Doomsday.”

Liu noted that progress on representation can feel uncertain amid shifts in public opinion regarding support for marginalized communities. “There’s a lot of rhetoric that comes south of the border that unfortunately, because we’re so close by proximity, permeates into our discourse,” Liu stated. “It’s really important in those moments to just stand ten toes down and really support what you’re passionate about.”

Jeremy Lin on the Toronto Fan Base

Lin, an Asian American guard currently running a basketball school in Toronto in partnership with ARC, echoed those sentiments during a virtual call from the Bay Area. He stated that the recent backlash toward diversity and inclusion efforts highlights ongoing barriers.

“I always say Toronto is easily one of the favourite cities, and one of the favourite teams that I’ve ever played for, primarily because of the fans,” Lin said. He added that even when playing for the New York Knicks, games in Toronto felt like home due to local crowd support.

ARC co-founder Clement Chu, who joined the virtual call alongside Lin, highlighted the enduring friendship between the organizers and participants as preparations continue for the upcoming September event. Specific celebrity attendees for this year’s festival will be announced soon, according to organizers.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is ARC World taking place?

ARC World is scheduled for September 12 in Markham, Ontario.

Who founded the organization behind the festival?

The non-profit originated in 1995 as the Chinese Canadian Youth Athletic Association and now operates an athletics centre in Markham.

Who is scheduled to appear at the event?

Actor Simu Liu and former NBA player Jeremy Lin are confirmed to participate, including in a celebrity basketball game, with additional celebrity guests to be announced.