The ceremonial end; the beginning of an era
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Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya enjoy a light moment at the Closing Ceremony of the Golden Jubilee Games. Photo: Moez Visram
A week of international brotherhood, intense athleticism, and celebration of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee came to an end at the Closing Ceremony of the Golden Jubilee Games. The Ceremony was a magnificent entertainment production with spectacles that provoked dancing and drew tears. The occasion was made even more momentous by the presence of Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya.
The evening kicked off with a grand entrance of athletes who paraded in unison behind the flags of all the nations represented, and a banner proclaiming “We Stand as One.” It was a subtle evolution from the Opening Ceremony, where the athletes marched behind the banners of their respective countries.
The evening was filled with incredible acrobatics and dance performances by local Kenyan artists, the Sarakasi Trust, and Ismailis young and old. The performances thrilled eager crowds, who danced and clapped to the rhythms of the varied music. The artists brought harmony to a mix of Bollywood, Arabic, popular East African songs and heart-warming pieces from the Lion King. The festive and upbeat energy of the performing artists was a pleasant compliment to the moving atmosphere of the evening.
National Sports Convenors and leaders of the Golden Jubilee Games committee plant a Baobab tree in commemoration of the inaugural Golden Jubilee Games. Photo: Akber Dewji (Hakim Sons)
Epitomising the essence and solidarity of the Games, National Sports Convenors from each country, together with leadership of the Golden Jubilee Games committee, planted a Baobab tree in local Kenyan soil. Its foundation was laid with a stone from the abode of each of the Ismaili Councils represented.
The tree will grow as a living legacy to this historic event. Like the spirit of the Games, it will last for thousands of years with its ability to survive in periods of extreme drought and extend its leaves to provide shelter to the wayfarer. The tree-planting ceremony was complemented with serene music, adding emotion to the finality of the Games.
The Ceremony ended with the extinguishing of the Golden Jubilee Games light. No dry eyes were left in the crowd of thousands gathered on the grounds where the Games were opened nearly six days ago, and where Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Takht Nashini took place in 1957. A bittersweet feeling draped over the emotional crowd as the light, which stood as beacon of hope throughout the week was extinguished.
The ceremony was completed with a magnificent display of fireworks illuminating the night sky, as all looked upwards in awe. The fireworks show was a visual treat to the entire crowd of athletes, volunteers, and spectators, standing as one.
The Closing Ceremony ended with a dazzling display of fireworks. Photo: Akber Dewji (Hakim Sons)
For many volunteers, 15 months of hard work, personal sacrifice, and undeterred commitment culminated in a gratifying display of camaraderie and sincere joy. The day-to-day struggles of the many talented athletes are truly an inspiration to all who witnessed their outstanding feats and to the youth who will learn the legendary tales of their accomplishments. Although some of the 1 200 athletes left the Games with medals around their necks, the participation of all athletes is an accomplishment. As we look on to future Games, we take with us the era of traditions created in this monumentally historic event.
