Parklands complex transformed for the Golden Jubilee Games
A bird`s eye view of the information centre where participants can register, relax and obtain information about activities, accommodation and entertainment. Photo: Mansur Rupshi
Situated at the heart of the Parklands neighbourhood, Nairobi’s Darkhana Jamatkhana complex is the hub of the Golden Jubilee Games. For several days now, athletes, coaches and spectators from Jamats around the world have been streaming in, greeted by the welcoming hospitality of the Kenyan Jamat.
The complex is completely transformed. Located adjacent to the Aga Khan University Hospital, it houses the Aga Khan Sports Centre and various Jamati institutional offices.
A member of the Syrian Jamat dancing with a traditional Maasai. Photo: Moez Visram
The social hall is now a beautifully decorated information centre where participants can register, relax and obtain information about activities, accommodation and entertainment. Decorated in a traditional African theme, the hall features fresh fruit stalls, a cart serving traditional madaaf coconuts and other local favourites, comfortable animal print sofas, and a garden of tropical plants.
Tired athletes can settle-in for a relaxing foot or head massage while they meet other participants from around the world. Traditional Maasai dancers greet everyone at the entrance, and a live African band plays favourite Swahili songs such as Jambo.
The fresh fruit stall provides athletes with a selection of the finest local fruits. Photo: Mansur Rupshi
Just beyond the information centre, the indoor car park is now a dining hall, enticing participants with the aroma of fresh cooked meals. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are available throughout the day, as new and old friends gather to share their meals.
On the cricket pitch of the Aga Khan Sports Centre, a grand stage has been built for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Games. Throughout the day, performers rehearse and perfect their acts, promising an impressive inauguration. Around the perimeter of the field, volunteers are erecting the stands that will seat hundreds of spectators.
Members of the Jamat from around the world meet over lunch at the GJG Village dining hall. Photo: Mansur Rupshi
At the opposite end of the complex, an open-air parking lot has been transformed by a vast tent covering an area known as Stone City. An international exposition of kiosks is being set up to represent the various countries where the Jamat lives, describing economic, social and cultural characteristics of each nation, as well as selling souvenirs and offering samples of national foods. Each night, Stone City will be transformed to host a unique entertainment event for Games participants and the Jamat at large.
Children rehearse their performance for the opening ceremony of the Games at the Aga Khan Sports Centre. Photo: Moez Visram
Despite the busyness of activity in the Village, one would be wrong to think that it is all work and no play. Jovial volunteers chat and joke as they meet new people, and in the spare moments between rehearsals, children run around the stage playing football (ignoring the light-hearted reproaches of directors!). All around, people are soaking up the atmosphere, and anticipating the start of the Golden Jubilee Games with a growing excitement.
