Zee's Notes: During the 7 days of the Golden Jubilee Games it was very, very evident the notion of Frontierless Brotherhood among the 1100 plus athletes who gathered in Nairobi. It almost seemed that every individual who came to the games was predisposed to connecting with their Ismaili brothers and sisters from other countries. Whether you were Canadian, American, Pakistani, Indian, East African, Tajik, Afghani, Syrian, French, English etc. etc. they all were one and though the games were competitive it was all about the unity and celebrating the diversity - at the end during the closing ceremonies there were no countries but simply Ismailis and all we will remember is how joyous it was to be one.
Here's a clip from the Opening Ceremonies if you haven't seen it...
Click on the link below to get a taste of the what the Frontierless Brotherhood is all about.
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/531/Orchestra-in-Dubai-expresses-the-harmony-of-the-international-Jamat-through-a-unique-musical-compilation
Showing posts with label Golden jubilee Games Kenya. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Golden jubilee Games Kenya. Show all posts
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Ismaili Golden Jubilee Games - Go Syria Go
Marcel - Basketball Syria
Zee's Notes: One of the most memorable stories of the GJG held in Nairobi in June 2008 was the sheer diversity of the Ismaili Community gathered in one place to commemorate this historic event. An even more compelling story was the athletes and supporters from Syria. Even though there were well over 25 countries represented no country showed the spirit that the Syrians displayed in the week that was The Games. If I said the Syrians were the life and spirit of the games I would be understating their contributions to make the games what they were - a true celebration. On the buses which transported athletes around the venues, at the volleyball courts where they displayed their skill and athleticism or at the Games Village the Syrians were the life of the games - they sang and they danced - but moreso in my view they united the 1200 plus athletes and the Ismaili Community gathered in Nairobi who got caught up in their infectious enthusiasm and spirit. In looking at the video of the Syria Deedar I couldn't help but remember the one common chant of the games - GO SYRIA GO.
The young man in the picture above is Marcel who played on the Syria basketball team. I took this picture at Kasarani Stadium after his baskeball game. He was, in essence, the soul of the Syria group. His claim to fame was an instrument - the oud - he carried throughout the games and he delighted crowds with his impromptu performances and he was indeed loved by all in Nairobi.
My telling moment on Marcel is as follows: On one of the last days of the games the GJG organizing committee held a presentation for Prince Hussein and Princess Khaliya at the Nairobi Serena hotel in one of the ballrooms situated off the lobby - I just happened to be there that afternoon by chance - and I saw Marcel waiting outside - he had been invited to perform at the presentation. About an hour later I happened to see Marcel again in the lobby and this time he was being consoled by someone as tears came pouring out of his eyes and you could feel the joy Marcel was feeling within - it was surreal as that moment captured for me the essence of what the games were all about - and Syria's Marcel was indeed the soul of the games. Here is what Altaf Jina, member for Communications and Publications for Kenya Council, wrote about him on the Ismaili.org:
"One particular Syrian I spoke to on several occasions was a young man by the name of Marcel. When he played the oud (a traditional Arabic stringed instrument) it was as though he escaped to a magical world, overwhelming all those around him with the intensity of his emotion and his devotion to his music. When asked how long he could play before he got tired, Marcel passionately responded, “for hours — the instrument is a part of me, if I stopped playing, it would be like not breathing.” Marcel took part on the Syrian basketball team. He remarked that while their team had lost, the experience of interacting with other Ismailis from around the world, and exchanging thoughts and ideas with them was far more of a victory than just the sporting result. "
All I can say is - "GO SYRIA GO".
If you want to see how the Syrians worked their magic in Nairobi here's a snippet (though fuzzy) and if you want to see more of the GJG highlights this gentleman from Pakistan (there's that Diversity thing again) has captured a lot more here on his YouTube page:
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=jinayatali&view=videos
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Road to the Games...Pamirs or is that Hunza
Zee's notes: One of Morning Chai's goals was to bring together Ismailis thoughout the world so we could meet one another and really see the real strength of our diverse Community. What the Golden Jubilee has done is to bring forth numerous initiatives, mostly institutional, but now moreso personal labors of love in celebrating this incredible moment. During the Darbars in the US, Dubai and East Africa we got to know more about ourselves and with the GJG in Nairobi even more expressions of who we are. Today you will meet some very interesting and bright students halfway across the world who are using the internet in the same way as Morning Chai - to unite and bring together...you will love this site:
In keeping with the theme of the GJG in Nairobi meet a couple of soccer (ok...Football) from the Pamir mountains who will represent Dubai at the games.
In keeping with the theme of the GJG in Nairobi meet a couple of soccer (ok...Football) from the Pamir mountains who will represent Dubai at the games.
Road to the Games...Go UK Go !!!
Zee's Notes: One of the great things about the Internet is that it makes it very easy to create a community of like minded individuals - hey that sounds like Morning Chai - and to have as narrow focus as you like - hence the phenomenal growth of sites like Facebook, MySpace and so on. With the Nairobi games - we came in touch with a UK site run by Kurban Chitalya which is a support group for all the athletes from the UK going to compete in Nairobi. Great information and seems like these guys are going to have a lot of fun as a team representing the UK. I wish them well and my hats off to Kurban for his initiative. If you want to see the UK GJG support site click here:
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Road to the Games...Soccer or is that Football !
Zee's Notes: Soccer is another team sport that promises to be closely contested in Nairobi. With Euro 2008 well underway - though it is sad not to have England there - it will be a much talked about competition. Soccer, like cricket to an extent, is in our blood. In Africa we played the game in the streets, the parks and in the alleys - as long as there were more than 2 guys and a ball it was Game On. So let's consider the teams:
Canada: Coached by Amyn Bhulji, one of Tanzania's soccer legends, this team is led by some wily veterans who should provide experience and leadership. Elnur (X) Ladha, who captained the University of BC in his days there, and Karim Shivji will balance the enthusiasm of the youngsters and solidify the midfield for the Canada squad. Soccer in North America is a huge participation sport until the age of 16 - then it tails off with only the most serious continuing at higher league or college levels.
England/Portugal: With soccer being such a huge sport in the 2 nations you can't help but think that they will be the squads to watch. If they have first generation players who have played in the school leagues then watch out - they will be the team to beat. I remember in the early 1980's we had a London team visit Vancouver and the games were dynamite and the skill level of the Londoners was quite impressive - expect the same in Nairobi.
Tanzania/Kenya/Uganda: I also think the East African countries will compete well - with the home advantage - though I'm not sure if there is a pool of youngsters to draw from like the days of yesteryear when Soccer was 'The Game'.
USA : Again, like in any other sport, you can never consider the US out of any competition and they may surprise some of the favorites. Keep an eye out for these guys. Remember when we talk of the US it also includes Australia/new Zealand/Papua New Guinea.
Afghanistan/Tajikistan: No word yet if these countries will field teams in Soccer. But if they do it will be a treat to watch as the boys play with passion and play to win. I say this because during the Canadian games the Montreal squad - with many Afghani players - delighted the crowds with their attacking game and with a lucky bounce here or there may well have taken the trophy.
I hope to catch some of the Soccer matches as they always provide some memorable sporting moments - particularly in Ismaili tournaments.
Canada: Coached by Amyn Bhulji, one of Tanzania's soccer legends, this team is led by some wily veterans who should provide experience and leadership. Elnur (X) Ladha, who captained the University of BC in his days there, and Karim Shivji will balance the enthusiasm of the youngsters and solidify the midfield for the Canada squad. Soccer in North America is a huge participation sport until the age of 16 - then it tails off with only the most serious continuing at higher league or college levels.
England/Portugal: With soccer being such a huge sport in the 2 nations you can't help but think that they will be the squads to watch. If they have first generation players who have played in the school leagues then watch out - they will be the team to beat. I remember in the early 1980's we had a London team visit Vancouver and the games were dynamite and the skill level of the Londoners was quite impressive - expect the same in Nairobi.
Tanzania/Kenya/Uganda: I also think the East African countries will compete well - with the home advantage - though I'm not sure if there is a pool of youngsters to draw from like the days of yesteryear when Soccer was 'The Game'.
USA : Again, like in any other sport, you can never consider the US out of any competition and they may surprise some of the favorites. Keep an eye out for these guys. Remember when we talk of the US it also includes Australia/new Zealand/Papua New Guinea.
Afghanistan/Tajikistan: No word yet if these countries will field teams in Soccer. But if they do it will be a treat to watch as the boys play with passion and play to win. I say this because during the Canadian games the Montreal squad - with many Afghani players - delighted the crowds with their attacking game and with a lucky bounce here or there may well have taken the trophy.
I hope to catch some of the Soccer matches as they always provide some memorable sporting moments - particularly in Ismaili tournaments.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Road to the Games...Cricket
Zee's notes: The game of cricket today to some has become too commercialized and equally to some has become one of the most exciting and watchable spectator sport. The 5 day Test (yawn) gave way to the 50 over one-day game and now the Twenty-20 format has brought more fans into the fold. The game has had to adapt to the demands of the sponsors who want to capture viewers in a shorter time frame and also by fans who want a more faster and exciting experience. The other phenomena has seen the Indian Sub-continent gain control of the advertising dollar and hence the power of calling the shots at a global level. India now provides 70% of all the sponsorship money in the game today - witness the spectacular success of the IPL Twenty-20 league which just concluded this month with record crowds combined with all the glitter of Bollywood - did you know 2 of the owners of teams in the IPL include Shahrukh Khan and Preity Zeinta.
So the punch line to the intro above is that Cricket will be one of the headline sports at the GJG next week in Nairobi. So here is my 2 bit primer on what to expect at the GJG cricket tournament.
Canada: First because I know it so well. The 17 lads who will represent Canada come from a land where the sport is played only in the 4 summer months. However many of them have been at the game for most of their lives. Shaheed Keshvani is a promising all rounder with ambitions of a spot on the National Team - indeed he represented Canada in the U-19 Youth World Cup held a few years ago. Canada also has former U-19 National Team members and brothers Jamil and Shafiq Kassam. Another highlight of this team is the veterans (old guys) who bring a lot of experience - Captain Taj Mohamed has won a few national club championships in Canadian Cricket.
USA: Cricket in the US has fluorished in the past decade due to the Indian and Pakistani influx and did you know there are Ismaili/Aga Khan Clubs in Atlanta, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Chicago and California. Such is the enthusiasm for the sport that word is the US is sending 2 teams to Nairobi. The US teams could provide many a highlight as, though I do not have names, there are many stars who have played at a high standard in their home countries.
Pakistan: Clearly the favorites to win the whole shebang. In 1989 when super cricketer Aslam Jindani, at one time the Director of Outpatient Services at AKU- Karachi, organized the Ismaili World Cup of Cricket, Pakistan defeated Kenya (with Steve Tikolo) at the Aga Khan Gymkhana in Garden. Cricket in Pakistan is like Ice Hockey for Canadians, NFL football for Americans and Soccer for Europeans - it is played with passion and many a conversation at the water cooler centers around the shenanigans of Shoaib Akhtar, the fastest bowler in the universe, and the rest of the team. The Pakistan team at the GJG will be good and you'll see many stars from this squad. Did you know that fast bowler Salim Jaffer of Karachi is the only Ismaili to ever play for Pakistan's national team at the World Cup and Test level in the late 1980's. Salim is now a selector for Pakistan's national Cricket team - an honor for sure.
Kenya and Tanzania: In the late 80's and early 90's Ismaili cricket almost disappeared when most of the stars left East Africa for better opportunities in North America and Europe. Over the past decade there has been an influx of players, like in the US, from India and Pakistan so the East African teams won't be regarded lightly by their opponents.
India: With the sport so huge in this country, little is known about what to expect from the Indian team. The only news has been that a team from the Gujarat won their national tournament. They may be the darkhorses as not much is known about them except they are from a country where, like Pakistan, the sport of cricket is King !!!
The UAE: Again, dominated by immigrants from the Indian Sub-Continent, they could provide a challenge to some of the favorites.
The UK: The English may surprise if they bring some of the players who have gained exposure with the game at the high school and university level. Though the English have pretty well lost their top level status in the game to the likes of Australia, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan - they do have a formidable coaching system and we may see some talented players in Nairobi.
So over the course of a week if you are in Nairobi head over to the local cricket grounds and catch some fast and furious action - oh did I tell you the games will be played under the Twenty-20 format - as my Gujarati tailor tells me - 'That too much fun !!!'
So the punch line to the intro above is that Cricket will be one of the headline sports at the GJG next week in Nairobi. So here is my 2 bit primer on what to expect at the GJG cricket tournament.
Canada: First because I know it so well. The 17 lads who will represent Canada come from a land where the sport is played only in the 4 summer months. However many of them have been at the game for most of their lives. Shaheed Keshvani is a promising all rounder with ambitions of a spot on the National Team - indeed he represented Canada in the U-19 Youth World Cup held a few years ago. Canada also has former U-19 National Team members and brothers Jamil and Shafiq Kassam. Another highlight of this team is the veterans (old guys) who bring a lot of experience - Captain Taj Mohamed has won a few national club championships in Canadian Cricket.
USA: Cricket in the US has fluorished in the past decade due to the Indian and Pakistani influx and did you know there are Ismaili/Aga Khan Clubs in Atlanta, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Chicago and California. Such is the enthusiasm for the sport that word is the US is sending 2 teams to Nairobi. The US teams could provide many a highlight as, though I do not have names, there are many stars who have played at a high standard in their home countries.
Pakistan: Clearly the favorites to win the whole shebang. In 1989 when super cricketer Aslam Jindani, at one time the Director of Outpatient Services at AKU- Karachi, organized the Ismaili World Cup of Cricket, Pakistan defeated Kenya (with Steve Tikolo) at the Aga Khan Gymkhana in Garden. Cricket in Pakistan is like Ice Hockey for Canadians, NFL football for Americans and Soccer for Europeans - it is played with passion and many a conversation at the water cooler centers around the shenanigans of Shoaib Akhtar, the fastest bowler in the universe, and the rest of the team. The Pakistan team at the GJG will be good and you'll see many stars from this squad. Did you know that fast bowler Salim Jaffer of Karachi is the only Ismaili to ever play for Pakistan's national team at the World Cup and Test level in the late 1980's. Salim is now a selector for Pakistan's national Cricket team - an honor for sure.
Kenya and Tanzania: In the late 80's and early 90's Ismaili cricket almost disappeared when most of the stars left East Africa for better opportunities in North America and Europe. Over the past decade there has been an influx of players, like in the US, from India and Pakistan so the East African teams won't be regarded lightly by their opponents.
India: With the sport so huge in this country, little is known about what to expect from the Indian team. The only news has been that a team from the Gujarat won their national tournament. They may be the darkhorses as not much is known about them except they are from a country where, like Pakistan, the sport of cricket is King !!!
The UAE: Again, dominated by immigrants from the Indian Sub-Continent, they could provide a challenge to some of the favorites.
The UK: The English may surprise if they bring some of the players who have gained exposure with the game at the high school and university level. Though the English have pretty well lost their top level status in the game to the likes of Australia, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan - they do have a formidable coaching system and we may see some talented players in Nairobi.
So over the course of a week if you are in Nairobi head over to the local cricket grounds and catch some fast and furious action - oh did I tell you the games will be played under the Twenty-20 format - as my Gujarati tailor tells me - 'That too much fun !!!'
Friday, June 13, 2008
Road to the Games...
The Vaishalinagar Scouts and Guides honour athletes at the Closing Ceremony of the National Sports Tournament. Photo: Courtesy the Ismaili Council for IndiaRoad to the Games is a series of articles profiling Ismaili athletes from countries around the world, and the journeys they have undertaken to reach the Golden Jubilee Games. The series is being published in the run-up to the Games, which will take place between 23 – 29 June in Nairobi, Kenya.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Africa...the land of my birth..going back to my roots
Zee's Notes: Four weeks to go - it's a strange feeling thinking of going back to the land I last saw as a 12 year old. For those in my generation, though we are steeply rooted in our adopted homeland - Canada, we can never forget the time of our childhood that was spent in the Continent of Promise. Many have told me not to have very high expectations of what Africa is today - they say not much has changed and in some cases things are not better than in the early 1970's. So I have promised myself to go with an open mind and go with the flow - something many of us should do in life - otherwise we miss the the real gift of Allah - life itself. But I gotta say that the atmosphere of meeting my fellow Ismailis from all over the world promises one week that no one who will be in Narobi will ever forget. The games will be played with vigor and competition will be intense - there will be arguments and debates - but at the end of the day some 1,000 plus athletes and thousands more who will be there as spectators will emerge as a family - a family that will remain united forever and for a generation we will talk of the 'week that was' in Nairobi. So in keeping with the theme of all my previous GJG posts here is a video - a little different as it showcases different cities in Africa - so have a look and see if you recognize the city of your childhood - Nairobi, Kampala, Dar-es-salaam, Mombasa, Kinshasa, Durban, Accra, Lagos etc...
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Nairobi Mitumba Market - report by CBC...
Zee's Notes: Here's an interesting Canadian take on Nairobi's thriving 'Mitumba' trade. Indeed there are many Ismailis involved in the market as suppliers throughout the world.
Monday, May 19, 2008
GJG - Road to Kenya...
Zee's notes: We are now just 5 weeks away from the Opening Ceremonies of the first ever Golden Jubilee Games in Nairobi June 22-29th, 2008. It goes without saying that this will be the biggest sporting event in the history of the Ismaili Community. Just to give you a perpective this will bring together over 1100 athletes from the four corners of the world to Nairobi - probably the city that has seen the most visits by MHI in his 50 years as Imam. I think of it as his favorite place and so it is most fitting that such a global spectacle takes place there. From what I have seen and heard the organizers have dotted their i's and crossed their t's to make this a most memorable event - no, a once in a lifetime event for the Ismaili Community to remember. While this is just one event of many to commemerate the Golden Jubilee of MHI, I sincerely believe it will be one that will truly unite and display the strength of the diversity within our community. And as you also watch the Beijing Olympics this year you will agree with me that sports has a canny way of bringing together people of different backgrounds and creating lifetime friendships - something I have no doubt the Golden Jubilee Games in Nairobi will deliver...hope to see you there - i'll be there, inshallah, wearing my Canadian flag...eh !
I've become a bit of a buff of YouTube lately - it's also like life - once you start on the journey you never know where it takes you...Enjoy the marvelous pictures of a Nairobi that I don't recognize from 35 years ago...
I've become a bit of a buff of YouTube lately - it's also like life - once you start on the journey you never know where it takes you...Enjoy the marvelous pictures of a Nairobi that I don't recognize from 35 years ago...
Sunday, May 11, 2008
More Ismaili Sports Legends
Zee's notes: Thanks to all those who emailed and called on my comments on some of the Ismaili sporting legends a few days ago. Here are some more:
Amir Esmail: Amir was a soccer star who was good enough to play in the big leagues in Portugal. Though he passed away a few years ago, I had the opportunity to know him as he lived in Vancouver. I knew him to be a tremendous teacher of the game and he always had the time to impart his knowledge to a willing listener. Amir also loved to sing ginans in JK and truly was a humble gentleman. His son Karim also was a star soccer player in the Vancouver High School scene and he coaches youngsters in the Ismaili Youth Soccer Camp.
Amin Bhulji: No words can describe 'Bhulji's' passion for the game of soccer. I have heard legendary tales of his soccer prowess when he dazzled crowds as a forward for the Young Africans (Yanga) Soccer Club in Dar-es-salaam. He moved to Vancouver in the early 1970's and impressed scouts to be given a shot at trying out for the old Vancouver Whitecaps of the NASL - a professional league. Though injuries and age worked against him Bhulji continued his passion with the Ismaili Soccer Club in Vancouver which has been in existense now for 30 plus years. Many young Ismailis, who owe their early development to Bhulji, went on to play for their Colleges and Universities across Canada. A few years ago he started the very successful Ismaili Youth Soccer Camp. Bhulji will be 'going home' for the Golden Jubilee Games as Coach of the Canada Ismaili Mens Soccer Team.
Shiraz Sumar: 'Sumar' was another cricket legend - in Tanzania. He is the only Ismaili ever to play in the World Cup of Cricket - 1975 in England for East Africa. Shiraz's exploits on the field were always the talk of the town and moreso he was known for his leadership skills which earned him the Captainship of the Tanzania National Team. I remember one year he came to Vancouver to play a few games for the Ismaili Club, then known as the Aga Khan Cricket Club, and the stories he told us of his experiences over the years you had to appreciate what he had accomplished in his sporting life. Sadly Sumar could not make it to Vancouver for the CIG games due to family commitments and he was sorely missed.
If you are a cricket fan and from Dar click here for a trip down memory lane - did you know that in August 1946 (year of the Diamond Jubilee) at the annual Aga Khan Cup Tournament Mowlana Sultan Mohammed Shah sat through the game and presented the trophy to the winning team at the Dar-es-salaam Gymkhana. Wow - wouldn't it be something if history repeats itself at the Golden Jubilee Games in Nairobi in 6 weeks !!!
Amir Esmail: Amir was a soccer star who was good enough to play in the big leagues in Portugal. Though he passed away a few years ago, I had the opportunity to know him as he lived in Vancouver. I knew him to be a tremendous teacher of the game and he always had the time to impart his knowledge to a willing listener. Amir also loved to sing ginans in JK and truly was a humble gentleman. His son Karim also was a star soccer player in the Vancouver High School scene and he coaches youngsters in the Ismaili Youth Soccer Camp.
Amin Bhulji: No words can describe 'Bhulji's' passion for the game of soccer. I have heard legendary tales of his soccer prowess when he dazzled crowds as a forward for the Young Africans (Yanga) Soccer Club in Dar-es-salaam. He moved to Vancouver in the early 1970's and impressed scouts to be given a shot at trying out for the old Vancouver Whitecaps of the NASL - a professional league. Though injuries and age worked against him Bhulji continued his passion with the Ismaili Soccer Club in Vancouver which has been in existense now for 30 plus years. Many young Ismailis, who owe their early development to Bhulji, went on to play for their Colleges and Universities across Canada. A few years ago he started the very successful Ismaili Youth Soccer Camp. Bhulji will be 'going home' for the Golden Jubilee Games as Coach of the Canada Ismaili Mens Soccer Team.
Shiraz Sumar: 'Sumar' was another cricket legend - in Tanzania. He is the only Ismaili ever to play in the World Cup of Cricket - 1975 in England for East Africa. Shiraz's exploits on the field were always the talk of the town and moreso he was known for his leadership skills which earned him the Captainship of the Tanzania National Team. I remember one year he came to Vancouver to play a few games for the Ismaili Club, then known as the Aga Khan Cricket Club, and the stories he told us of his experiences over the years you had to appreciate what he had accomplished in his sporting life. Sadly Sumar could not make it to Vancouver for the CIG games due to family commitments and he was sorely missed.
If you are a cricket fan and from Dar click here for a trip down memory lane - did you know that in August 1946 (year of the Diamond Jubilee) at the annual Aga Khan Cup Tournament Mowlana Sultan Mohammed Shah sat through the game and presented the trophy to the winning team at the Dar-es-salaam Gymkhana. Wow - wouldn't it be something if history repeats itself at the Golden Jubilee Games in Nairobi in 6 weeks !!!
Friday, May 09, 2008
Canadian Ismaili Games - Diversity is Strength...
Zee's notes: The CIG's were not only a celebration of sport but I think moreso it brought the community together in ways we can not imagine. If you consider first the diversity of the regions and then move it up a notch as to the diversity of the countries we all came from it boggles the mind as to the oneness of the Ismaili Community. MHI keeps reminding us that Diversity is Strength and these games brought home this point. I met Ismailis not only from the different provinces but from many different countries and the punch line is that at the end of the day it is good to be an Ismaili.
On Sunday standing at the famous line up for the BBQ (I have a story on that too in a few days) I stood next to 3 youngsters from Quebec and they were all speaking French - fluently. One of the boys I found out was from Kabul, Afghanistan. He told me his family had moved to Germany many years ago and he spoke fluent German as well. Then I asked him what he did in Montreal - well he is in Law School.
Another youngster I met, also from Afghanistan, has a different story but no less interesting. This young man since an early age - 20 I believe - had to be the breadwinner of a family of 6 - including his parents - and he worked 2 jobs for 5 years teaching himself to sleep 3-4 hours a day so he could pay the rent and put food on the table. Anyway he managed to save enough money to buy a small body shop where he continued to work his tail off and as he said to me 'With MHI's blessings' managed to snare a painting contract with one of the larger Taxi outfits in town though he still sleeps 3 hours a day.
The punch line here is this: If you give a man the opportunity - the world is his oyster provided he is ready to work for it. Just as 35 years ago when a group of refugees were given an opportunity for a new life in a new country and they took the bull by the horn and made it work for them - so history now gives us a new set of immigrants this time from the other corner of the world taking on the same challenge - my father keeps reminding me that the vision is not of a decade or a generation but of centuries - that is the legacy he says we must remember in this year of the Golden Jubilee - I can only be in awe...
On Sunday standing at the famous line up for the BBQ (I have a story on that too in a few days) I stood next to 3 youngsters from Quebec and they were all speaking French - fluently. One of the boys I found out was from Kabul, Afghanistan. He told me his family had moved to Germany many years ago and he spoke fluent German as well. Then I asked him what he did in Montreal - well he is in Law School.
Another youngster I met, also from Afghanistan, has a different story but no less interesting. This young man since an early age - 20 I believe - had to be the breadwinner of a family of 6 - including his parents - and he worked 2 jobs for 5 years teaching himself to sleep 3-4 hours a day so he could pay the rent and put food on the table. Anyway he managed to save enough money to buy a small body shop where he continued to work his tail off and as he said to me 'With MHI's blessings' managed to snare a painting contract with one of the larger Taxi outfits in town though he still sleeps 3 hours a day.
The punch line here is this: If you give a man the opportunity - the world is his oyster provided he is ready to work for it. Just as 35 years ago when a group of refugees were given an opportunity for a new life in a new country and they took the bull by the horn and made it work for them - so history now gives us a new set of immigrants this time from the other corner of the world taking on the same challenge - my father keeps reminding me that the vision is not of a decade or a generation but of centuries - that is the legacy he says we must remember in this year of the Golden Jubilee - I can only be in awe...
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Golden Jubilee Games - Ismaili Sporting legends
Zee's Notes: Being at the Canadian Ismaili Games brought back a flood of memories for the likes of me - I played in many of the Triangular Games in the 70's and 80's -back then there were no restrictions on what sports one could participate in. I remember playing soccer, basketball, International Volleyball and Cricket. What transpired was that this weekend I met with so many of the friends from those days - from all parts of Canada. So personally for me it was all about the reconnection of friendships going back some 30 years.
One aspect we always forget is the pioneers who indeed were legends in their respective sports. But the interesting thing is the stories that come as time progresses and it never seizes to amaze me that each individual has his or her own unique story. Here are some I met this weekend:
Fayaz Hasham (Keshvani) - a Kenyan cricket legend who now lives in Toronto. In the early eighties he first lived in Vancouver, where I played on the AK Club with him,before he moved to the Centre of the Universe (Toronto). I found out his son Shahid is a very promising cricket player who represented Canada at the Under-19 level and is currently on track to try out for the Canadian National Cricket Team - I hope he gets there.
Kamru Shamasdin - another cricketer fom Nairobi also in Toronto. Kamru is one generous human being - I remember one year 5 young Vancouver cricketers showed up in Toronto without a place to stay and without hesitation he took us to his home in Pickering and it was one of the most enjoyable weekends that I can remember - better than any 5 star hotel. His sporting genes have carried on famously with his sons - son #1 Jamil went to Harvard University on a Track scholarship and son #2 Irfan went to Brown - also an Ivy League University - on a Tennis Scholarship. Irfan and a third son Adil were at the CIG games playing tennis.
Badru Jinnah (Bhamji) - if you were from Dar-es-salaam then this man needs no introduction. Bhamji was Ismaili Cricket in Dar. He was one of those leaders that when they stepped on the field you felt your team was safe - no matter what the circumstance Bhamji would either hit some boundaries or bowl out the opposition for the win. Now his son took a different turn - seems Bhamji for years owned a farm in the Vancouver suburb of Chilliwack and since there is no cricket there Hanif decided to be a rodeo star and a few years ago he was almost the Canadian Calf Roping Champion at the nationals.
Aziz Meghji - probably there has never been any Ismaili athlete in the last 50 years to compare to this gentleman. Aziz Meghji stands alone in stature and he has been called, by those who watched him perform in his heyday, as the greatest Ismaili athlete - EVER ! Aziz had the unique ability to master any sport he tried - people still talk about the cricket games he won for the Aga Khan Club in Nairobi in the 1960's and he was the first Ismaili ever, I think, to represent a country (Kenya) at the Olympic games in Mexico City where he played Tennis. After coming to Vancouver in the early 70's he started playing golf and in his late 60's this amazing legend was a scratch golfer - something people never achieve in their lifetime - truly a master athlete. His niece's 19 year old son Adam won the CIG golf tournament this weekend.
In the days to come I hope to highlight some more stories from the games....
One aspect we always forget is the pioneers who indeed were legends in their respective sports. But the interesting thing is the stories that come as time progresses and it never seizes to amaze me that each individual has his or her own unique story. Here are some I met this weekend:
Fayaz Hasham (Keshvani) - a Kenyan cricket legend who now lives in Toronto. In the early eighties he first lived in Vancouver, where I played on the AK Club with him,before he moved to the Centre of the Universe (Toronto). I found out his son Shahid is a very promising cricket player who represented Canada at the Under-19 level and is currently on track to try out for the Canadian National Cricket Team - I hope he gets there.
Kamru Shamasdin - another cricketer fom Nairobi also in Toronto. Kamru is one generous human being - I remember one year 5 young Vancouver cricketers showed up in Toronto without a place to stay and without hesitation he took us to his home in Pickering and it was one of the most enjoyable weekends that I can remember - better than any 5 star hotel. His sporting genes have carried on famously with his sons - son #1 Jamil went to Harvard University on a Track scholarship and son #2 Irfan went to Brown - also an Ivy League University - on a Tennis Scholarship. Irfan and a third son Adil were at the CIG games playing tennis.
Badru Jinnah (Bhamji) - if you were from Dar-es-salaam then this man needs no introduction. Bhamji was Ismaili Cricket in Dar. He was one of those leaders that when they stepped on the field you felt your team was safe - no matter what the circumstance Bhamji would either hit some boundaries or bowl out the opposition for the win. Now his son took a different turn - seems Bhamji for years owned a farm in the Vancouver suburb of Chilliwack and since there is no cricket there Hanif decided to be a rodeo star and a few years ago he was almost the Canadian Calf Roping Champion at the nationals.
Aziz Meghji - probably there has never been any Ismaili athlete in the last 50 years to compare to this gentleman. Aziz Meghji stands alone in stature and he has been called, by those who watched him perform in his heyday, as the greatest Ismaili athlete - EVER ! Aziz had the unique ability to master any sport he tried - people still talk about the cricket games he won for the Aga Khan Club in Nairobi in the 1960's and he was the first Ismaili ever, I think, to represent a country (Kenya) at the Olympic games in Mexico City where he played Tennis. After coming to Vancouver in the early 70's he started playing golf and in his late 60's this amazing legend was a scratch golfer - something people never achieve in their lifetime - truly a master athlete. His niece's 19 year old son Adam won the CIG golf tournament this weekend.
In the days to come I hope to highlight some more stories from the games....
Road to Kenya - or back to my roots...
Zee's Notes: Inshallah in 6 weeks i'll be joining the athletes and spectators on the Road to Kenya as part of the Golden Jubilee Games to be held in Nairobi. Now for me it's going to be 35 years since I left as a young lad with my family. Though I am born and spent much of my childhood in Dar-es-salaam, it is Nairobi, where I spent just 2 years, that has forever stayed etched in my heart as being the best place I ever remember in Africa. I vividly recall the Hirani Estates in Parklands where we lived, I can never forget the Aga Khan Academy where I studied and I hope that ice cream place run by the most kindly gentleman from South Africa is still there. My dream as a youngster was to play for the Aga Khan Cricket Club and many afternoons after school I would go watch the likes of Fayaz Hasham, Kamru Shamasdin and Shamshu Allidina, to name a few, practice at the Parklands facility - heck sometimes they would even let me bowl a few at them. The irony is that many years later I would play cricket in Canada with these very same legends of East African cricket. Life was simple and when I go back I hope to connect back to that time when the world seemed so conquerable and Africa was a land of great optimism and promise. I look back and consider myself darn lucky to have the opportunity to grow up in Canada but going back will bring back those days - well you know the feeling - it's not going home but it's going back to your roots...Here is something I saw on the net yesterday - hope you like it...
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Canadian Ismaili Games - Vancouver, BC - Venue Map
View Larger Map
Zee's notes: We are now less than a week away from what should be a weekend that many will never forget in Vancouver. The magic of the Canadian Ismaili Community will descend on the many venues throughout the city.
Above is the venue map where many of the activities will occur as well as places of interest such as JK's, Athletes village and actual sports venues. Click on the 'View Larger Map' link above for places where you'll see the Ismailis renew or make new lifetime frienships, see many gifted athletes and to generally have a fun weekend. You can get directions as well as ensure you get the most out of the games.
As well here is the UBC map :
From the Games Website:
Schedules
Click here for the latest schedules.
Facilities - Sporting Venues
Badminton - UBC, Student Recreation Centre
Basketball - UBC, Student Recreation CentreUBC, War Memorial
Chess- UBC, Student Recreation Centre
Cricket - Minoro Park (Sunday)Brockton (Monday)
Golf - Northview Golf & Country Club
Int'l Volleyball - UBC, War Memorial Gym
Soccer - UBC, Soccer Fields
Squash - Vancouver Racquet Club
Swimming - UBC, Aquatic Centre
Table Tennis - UBC, Osborne Gym
Tennis - UBC, Tennis Centre
Track & Field - UBC, Minoru Park
Trad'l Volleyball - UBC, War Memorial Gym
Wrestling - SFU (Saturday)UBC, Osborne Gym (Monday)
Friday May 2nd
9 am to 4 pm: Athletes arrive in Vancouver where they will be met at the airport and transported to the registration venue. Athletes should attempt to arrive in Vancouver either Thursday evening or Friday no later than 2 pm.
TBD: Jamatkhana at UBC
8 pm: Opening Ceremonies and Athlete Meet and Greet featuring live entertainment, great food, and the lighting of the CIG Torch
Saturday May 3rd
7 am to 6 pm: The tournament begins with round robin play and qualifying heats in all sports
10 am to 4 pm: Athletes and guests are welcome to enjoy the Canadian Ismaili Games Village at UBC
TBD: Jamatkhana
8 pm: CIG Celebration featuring live entertainment, athlete showcase, great food, and much more! Invite all of your friends and family to this celebration of sport and the Golden Jubilee!
Sunday May 4th
7 am to 6 pm: The Games continue with playoffs beginning in some sports
10 am to 4 pm: Athletes and guests are welcome to enjoy the Canadian Ismaili Games Village at UBC
TBD: Jamatkhana at UBC
8 pm: Feature Games and BBQ. The stands will be packed as some of our best compete in basketball and volleyball
Monday May 5th
9 am to 4 pm: The Champions are crowned as the playoffs in all sports are completed. Medals will be awarded at the conclusion of each final event
4 pm: Athlete Departure Lounge. Live entertainment and refreshments before you board the bus taking you to the airport
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