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Story by ERIC ODANGA/Daily Nation
Publication Date: 6/25/2008
More than 1,200 athletes from around the world will gather in Kenya this week to participate in the first-ever international Ismaili sports festival. Hosted by the Aga Khan Council for Kenya, the event has been organised in celebration of His Highness the Aga Khan’s Golden Jubilee.
The Golden Jubilee Games, which were officially opened on Tuesday at Aga Khan Sports Centre in Parklands, Nairobi, will showcase the talent of young Ismaili men and women from over 25 countries, selected from among 50,000 athletes at the local, regional and national levels in their respective countries.
Participants in the week-long tournament include recognised athletes who have competed nationally as well as internationally.
The games will feature 14 disciplines, among them football, tennis, table tennis, volleyball, badminton, squash, wrestling, golf and chess.
Ten different venues will be used for the event, including the Aga Khan Sports Centre, Oshwal School, Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Jaffreys Sports Club, Nairobi Simba Union, International School of Kenya and Windsor Golf Club.
The theme of the Games – “Celebration Through Sport” – reflects the spirit of the Ismaili community in celebrating the Aga Khan’s Golden Jubilee through the universal language of sports, athletics and other recreational activities.
“This is an historic occasion for Kenya,” said Zul Abdul, president of the Aga Khan Council for Kenya. “It is the first time that so many Ismaili youngsters from diverse backgrounds and cultures will come together, and it will reinforce a spirit of unity through diversity. Most of the participants are coming to Kenya for the very first time, and this is an opportunity for them to see what our beautiful country has to offer.
From amongst all the countries around the world that sought to host the Golden Jubilee Games, we are very proud that Kenya was selected,” Abdul added.
Athletes from Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Burundi, Canada, Congo, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mozambique, New Zealand, Pakistan, Portugal, Qatar, South Africa, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, Uganda, the United Kingdom, United States, and Kenya will engage in 14 sports throughout the week at some of the country’s best sports venues.
For some participants, such as those from Tajikistan and Afghanistan, this will be the first time that they will be travelling outside their country. The Golden Jubilee Games will offer an invaluable social and cultural experience.
Ismailimail 