Voices of the Village
Looking back at the Games
As we approach the closure to the Golden Jubilee Games I wish to share what I am taking back home with me.
I came here to represent my country,
I return united with my global Ismaili brethren as one.
I came here wanting to take home a medal,
I return celebrating the triumphs of my fellow athletes.
I came, hoping to meet and interact with new people,
I return with some lifelong friends.
I came expecting the unexpected
I return feeling special and extremely well cared for.
I came with the anticipation of discovering Kenya,
I return with the warmth and unparalleled hospitality of the numerous volunteers.
— A heartfelt ‘Asante Sana!’
I came hoping to take back gold, but I am in fact, returning with treasures untold.
Friends for life, warmth and care beyond compromise,
A broadened mind enriched with experiences to cherish,
A happy heart filled with gratitude and humility,
And a spirit rekindled with love.
Thank you to one and all for the wonderful experience of the Golden Jubilee Games.
— Sophia Premjee, Athlete
Chit-chat blow-dry
Going to the salon in the Village gives new meaning to the experience of getting your hair washed and set. Our half-hour experience not only provided us with great hairstyles, but we also got exposure to other Ismaili women from around the world.
As we shared stories about our international tournament experiences, we also had an opportunity to learn more about each other, where we come from, and who we were rooting for. Some were mothers, others were recently married, but we were all volunteers who shared a need for a little pampering in our sleep-deprived states of mind.
— Rozina Ismaili, Erum Jaffer, Risk Management, Team USA
Saving ovation
The football team from the United Arab Emirates received a standing ovation from the crowd as well as its opponent, Team Canada, after two spectacular saves by their goalkeeper.
The Canadians scored four times shortly after half-time giving them an insurmountable 4-0 lead. Both teams knew the likely outcome of the match. However when Team Canada got its next scoring chance, the UAE goalkeeper showed perseverance and skill that won him an overwhelming display of approval.
A Canadian player took a shot, and the ball hit the UAE cross bar. Another Canadian followed with an immediate shot. The UAE goalkeeper dove to make the save, but the ball bounced back to another Canadian player who once again took a shot.
In a dramatic move, the goalkeeper dove once again, protecting his goal a second time and flinging the ball out of bounds. The entire crowd stood up clapping and cheering with the Canadian players also applauding the persistence and talent of the goalkeeper.
Laughter and luck
“We’re here to participate, to be good sports. You can see that even on the bus to the Village. Athletes from different countries all ride the same bus, with Tajiks and Syrians in the front, Canadians in the back, the Ugandans and Tanzanians sandwiched in between. It gave us an opportunity to laugh together and learn from each other, even if we don’t speak the same language.” — Amir Ali Virani, Manager, Uganda
“I came to support and to soak in the atmosphere. I just feel so luck to be an Ismaili.” — Najla Akbarali, Spectator, UK
Persistent winners
“The Afghans have not yet lost a football game. We did not expect them to be as good as they are. It was only as the Games got closer that we realised they have been getting up at 4:00 AM to train. I am really impressed. They are amazing guys.” — Amir Mohamed, Nairobi.
A volley-ball of song and dance!
This afternoon at Moi International Sports Centre, both the men's and women's volleyball teams from Afghanistan and Tajikistan took to the courts in an exciting matchup of Central Asian neighbours. The Tajik teams put up a strong performance, winning both their fixtures in two sets.
However, a mutual spirit of celebration was evident after the match, when the teams got together for some lively chatter and photos, and then, together with Kenyan officials and some of the surrounding fans, broke into song and dance. It is becoming apparent that for these athletes, all of whom have travelled long distances from their home countries and many for the first time, the chance to participate at these games alongside each other is itself a real cause for celebration!
Touched our hearts
“Yesterday when we watched the movie about Mawlana Hazar Imam’s USA visit, it really touched our hearts and brought tears to our eyes. He has done everything to develop our lives in Badakhshan. When he talked about always being with us, we were very happy.” — Safina Zoalshoeva, 20, and Azima Abdurahmonova, 18, Badakhshan, Tajikistan.
Senior stars
Beating the Kenyan women’s basketball team was no easy feat for competitors from the USA despite a significant age difference between players of each team. With players as old as 55, Team Kenya was up against a much younger USA team, who were in their 20s.
However the Kenyans never allowed the opposing team to gain more than a 20 points lead, and during play they captured the hearts of the crowd. Afghanis, Canadians, Tanzanians as well as local fans organised cheers for them.
“Many of these women had never played basketball in their lives but they had made a commitment to participate,” said Alkarim Manji from Toronto, who was watching the match. He had also spent some time with the team before the Games started.
“They practised seven days a week and enlisted the help of a professional coach,” he continued. “For them it is about taking part as they know they are up against much younger women and it is not easy.”
The experience
“The energy is incredible! Even the countries with small teams of a handful of athletes have as much spirit as countries with teams in the hundreds!” — Rebecca Lalani, Canada, Doubles Badminton
“Everyone back home is missing such a wonderful experience. I wish they could all be here with us!” — Moez Lalani, Canada, Doubles Badminton
Arrivals
“This is such a unique event! It’s a great feeling to have everyone here together.” — Rizwan Charania, Kenya, Golf
“It’s a victory just to be here. We’re with our brothers and sisters from across the globe. Everyone’s so happy to be here and speak with you…it’s an awesome feeling.” — Naima Alibay, France, Track & Field
“It’s an honour to be part of the first Golden Jubilee Games. It’s a meeting of youth and elders worldwide.” — Nizar Jiva, Portugal, Coach of Men’s Football
