Today at the Games
Sunday, 29 June
The Golden Jubilee Games closed with an impressive display of fireworks. Photo: Akber Dewji (Hakim Sons)
Today marked the final day of the Golden Jubilee Games. In the morning, spectators and athletes all gathered at the Moi International Sports Centre for the final matches of international volleyball, athletics and badminton. The day was made even more special by the presence of Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya, who watched a portion of the games. Afterward, medallists from every sport gathered at the Nairobi Serena Hotel, where Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya graciously agreed to pose for a picture with the group.
In a colourful, vibrant and emotionally charged evening ceremony, thousands of people, including athletes, spectators and members of the Jamat gathered on the grounds of the Aga Khan Sports Club for the closing of the inaugural Golden Jubilee Games. With Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya watching, marching bands and performers led the athletes onto the grounds. The athletes had opened the Games representing their distinct countries; now, seven days later, they had come together as one.
A spirited multimedia video presentation highlighted the week long journey through sights and sounds that left the audience with a memorable feeling of harmony and belonging. The inaugural Games were also commemorated with the planting of a baobab tree, strengthened with stones brought from the countries from which the Jamat had come. The Ceremony ended in a colourful display of fireworks, as participants and spectators alike celebrated, dancing under the night sky.
Saturday, 28 June
Medallists from the golf finals. Photo: Zahir Daya
Crowds gathered at various sporting venues today to watch the final matches of their favorite teams and sports to see who would take home the gold. While victory was certainly sweet for the winning teams, everyone carried the true spirit of sportsmanship in rejoicing together, regardless of who won.
The Festival of Health was held at Kasarani Stadium from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The Festival provided a variety of programs included interactive sessions, studio workshops or family friendly activities and health screenings.
Following dinner in the evening, Global Celebrations and the International Bazaar took place at Stone City. Guests were taken on a high energy journey to explore the rich traditions and music from around the world and to shop from various countries, all under one roof. Artistic performances and activities engaged audiences from all walks of life.
Friday, 27 June
ADKN excursions allowed particpants to learn about its programmes and companies in Kenya, inclding Tourism Promotion Services. Photo: Ejaz S. Karmali (Hakim Sons)
Quarter and semi-final matches continue through the day today, drawing larger crowds to each game.
The fourth day of AKDN Excursions featured a visit to the Aga Khan University Hospital. During the visit, participants had a chance to see the impressive facilities and received presentations on both Aga Khan Health Services and the local and international developments planned for the Aga Khan University.
The evening programme, called “Celebrating the Games” featured a special video and photographic presentation of the past few days of sport and celebration. With a focus on brotherhood and sportsmanship, the video presentation was an illustrative account of the impact of the Golden Jubilee Games on the global Jamat, both during the week of the Games and going forward.
Thursday, 26 June
The Kenyan and United States football teams celebrate following the night game at Kasarani. Photo: Moez Visram
Competition heated up today with the start of quarter final matches. See Sports Action for details.
In non-sport events, participants volunteering as part of the community service project spent a second day near Naivasha building houses with Habitat for Humanity. Those joining today’s Aga Khan Development Network excursion visited the Nairobi Serena Hotel. Participants learned about Tourism Promotion Services, and the role of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development within the larger AKDN framework.
In the evening, Moi International Sports Centre played host to two night games. The first was a women’s international volleyball match played between Canada and Syria in which the Syrians prevailed. On the football pitch, Kenya took on USA and much to the delight of the home crowd, the hosts came out on top. In a touching moment of sportsmanship, the two teams paraded through the grounds with each others flags after the game.
Wednesday, 25 June
Women`s International Volleyball - Canada vs USA. Photo: Ejaz S. Karamali
Athletes got an early start today, since most sports kicked off at 7:00 AM at various venues around Nairobi. Known for their friendly rivalry, the USA vs. Canada Women’s International Volleyball game drew a large audience in full voice. (Click here for scores.)
Among non-sport events taking place during the day, a group of participants travelled to the lakeside town of Naivasha to join the Habitat for Humanity Community Service project. The non-profit organisation conducts housing improvement projects in poverty stricken areas. Another group took in the second AKDN excursion to the Frigoken agro-processing factory, which is an example of how the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development encourages socially and environmentally conscious sustainable development.
In the evening, participants enjoyed a “Movie under the Stars” which featured a special screening of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visit to the United States.
Tuesday, 24 June
Athletes from several countries spontaneously gathered for a photograph following the Opening Ceremony of the Golden Jubilee Games. Photo: Rahim Khoja (Hakim Sons)
There were no borders in sight early Tuesday morning, as athletes gathered for the Opening Ceremony. Excitement and energy filled the room: athletes from Afghanistan and Uganda joined together to play raas, the USA and Canada teams exchanged country flags and the participants from India and Pakistan sang and danced together.
Despite a chilly and damp morning, the spirit of the crowd was exuberant as they cheered a parade of 1 200 athletes and coaches from 27 different countries participating in the Games. Lively and breathtaking performances from Sarakasi Trust Band and the Aga Khan Junior Academy kept the crowd cheering.
As the Kenyan and Ismaili flags were raised, accompanied by the National Anthem of Kenya and the Nashid al-Imamah, the entire stadium stood at attention. It was a particularly emotional and poignant moment that left very few dry eyes in the audience.
Immediately after the Opening Ceremony, teams dispersed for their first official day of sport competition, including the highly anticipated cricket game between Canada and Kenya. Others took in an afternoon excursion to visit Aga Khan Development Network institutions, featuring a special visit to the Nation Media Group.
In the evening, Stone City was enveloped in an elegant and cozy atmosphere for a show titled Love and Devotion. It featured music, song and dance from across the world that shared a common theme of expressing love and devotion. Highlights of the evening included performances by the Aga Khan Education Service Choir, renowned Qawwali artist Rasik Bairagi and members of the Syrian Jamat participating in the Games.
As the evening drew to a close, participants returned to their residences to prepare for a full day of sports competitions tomorrow.
Monday, 23 June
Members of the Jamat dance at the Tajikistan booth in the International Bazaar. Photo: Zahir Daya
Excitement continued to grow at the Golden Jubilee Games, as more participants arrived at the Village throughout the day. Athlete orientation sessions, team practices and new encounters kept people busy, as they also learned about Kenya.
This evening, the International Bazaar opened its doors at Stone City, providing a magnificent display of arts, culture and entertainment from Jamats around the world. Visitors could tour the world by wandering between country-themed kiosks, exploring national traditions and shopping for local crafts. Participants and members of the Jamat in Kenya were also treated to a rich cultural experience at Carnivale Ya Kenya, immersing themselves in the music and traditional dances of the host country.
Tonight as athletes and spectators made their way back to their residences, hundreds of volunteers finalised the transformation of the Aga Khan Sports Centre. Everyone is anxiously awaiting the official Opening Ceremony of the Golden Jubilee Games tomorrow morning.
Sunday, 22 June
Members of Team Canada arrive for registration at the GJG Village. Photo: Akber Dewji (Hakim Sons)
Today was a busy day at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya, as the transport and hospitality teams prepared to welcome over 500 athletes from around the world including delegations from Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Syria, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.
Meanwhile, across town at the Golden Jubilee Games Village, the energy and excitement continues to rise as athletes stream in throughout the day. The Village serves as a hub for the registration of athletes, spectators and volunteers.
Once registration is completed, attendees can relax with new and old friends in the Kenyan themed lounge, listen to a live band and enjoy fresh local fruit. Today was a day of new faces, new sounds and new languages.
