Let The Games Begin (Golden Jubilee Games - Kenya 2008)

The stage was set. Microphones cued. Cameras in position.

Almost 4 000 spectators from countries around the world arrived well in advance of the 9:30 AM start time, eager to witness the Opening Ceremony of the Golden Jubilee Games — the first-ever international festival of sport in the Ismaili world.

Drum rolls echoed the rumble of an excited audience, as athletes paraded onto the grounds behind their national banners. Team sizes ranged from three to three-hundred, and high-spirited cheers filled the air as each was introduced.

The procession — which included men and women representing different cultures, traditions and countries — resonated with the verses of the Qur’an recited at the commencement of the Ceremony:

“The one banner we all come under is Ismaili,” reflected Mehdi Saleh, the Malaysian men’s basketball coach. “Language and country do not matter — it is one ummah. This is our trophy, being here with our brothers and sisters.”

Recalling moments of significance in Ismaili history which had taken place on the same grounds of the Aga Khan Sports Centre, President Zul Abdul of the Ismaili Council for Kenya delivered the official welcome address. He also spoke of the unique nature of the Games.

“Over the course of this week we will see Ismailis, young and old, perform in the greatest display of athleticism, courage and humility,” he said. “The hopes and prayers of our entire community are with all of you as you embark on the privilege of representing your country and our faith in the Golden Jubilee Games.”

President Abdul also thanked the countless volunteers from across the globe who have been working tirelessly to make the Games a reality.

Heightening the sense of occasion, the Kenyan and the Ismaili flags were hoisted to the sounds of the National Anthem of Kenya and the Nashid al-Imamah. The eyes of the participants and audience members alike were moistened with emotion.

“This is something beyond a sports tournament – it is the meeting of the global Jamat,” exclaimed Ugandan team manager, Amir Ali Virani.

Sumera Ali from Pakistan, echoed, “this is an exceptional experience, where all countries come together and are cheering for each other, even exchanging flags before we compete against each other. You can really see how there is unity in our diversity, and how diversity is a strength.”

The festivities continued with vibrant and colourful performances by the world-renowned Sarkasi Trust group, the Aga Khan Junior Academy, and the Kenyan AP Band.

A pledge of respect and sportsmanship was made by the athletes, represented by Rahim Velji of the United Kingdom, and the officiators, represented by Evan Wesake. They had entered the grounds in a horse-drawn carriage, together with the Chairman Shiraz Magan of the Ismaili Conciliation and Arbitration Board of Kenya who presided over the rite.

President Abdul was joined by Ahamed Eboo, the Convenor of the Golden Jubilee International Task Force that organised the Games, for the Lighting Ceremony. The Lighting represented a collective commitment to honour faith, family and self both during the event and in the course of life.

“The Games are the first time in my experience that boundaries among Ismailis have been transcended through the universal language of sport,” said Nadir Shah, a volleyball player from the United States.

Aman Ali Zamin Ali, who will wrestle on the Afghanistan team, aptly captured the spirit of this morning’s epochal event: “We are lucky to be alive during the Golden Jubilee. I am so happy to meet Ismailis from around the world — from countries in which I didn’t even know Ismailis lived! We are not here to win or lose, but to meet and know each other.”

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