It is with immense pride that I write this letter of congratulations to all who participated in the Canadian Ismaili Games 2015 that were recently held in Calgary over the course of three days from July 31 to August 2, 2015. With approximately 1,300 athletes from across the country and over 10,000 spectators in attendance, all supported by our backbone of volunteers who completed more than 2,000 shifts over the weekend, CIG 2015 was a resounding success! The competitive spirit was very much alive at these Games with athletes having spent months in training for this tournament and making countless sacrifices along the way. For some, victory was sweet and put them one step closer to competing on a world stage at the highly anticipated international Jubilee Games to be hosted in Dubai in 2016; for others, the loss left them with a renewed resolve to train harder and come back stronger at the next set of games where they can compete yet again. In both cases, the pursuit of excellence and the humility in both triumph and defeat are to be celebrated and rejoiced. So too should the spirit of brotherhood that was so clearly demonstrated during these Games by our Jamati members from across geographical, generational and cultural spectrums working together in harmony to make this event a success by any standard.
Indeed, the Canadian Ismaili Games provided a forum in which to showcase not only the athletic talent within our Jamat but also the values of our faith in action: of unity and friendship; of kindness and compassion; of support and collaboration; and of devotion and generosity of time and intellect for the benefit of others. Best of all, the Games allowed us to come together as one Jamat to share the blessings of happiness with one another. It is my wish that we continue to find opportunities to multiply these blessings of happiness and unity for all our Jamat in Canada and abroad.
Congratulations once again and I look forward to joining each one of you in cheering on Team Canada in Dubai at the Jubilee Games!
With Mubarak,
Malik Talib
For a picture gallery from the Games please click here.