Often we take our health for granted and fail to invest in keeping our body healthy. To achieve our full potential, it is essential that we have a healthy and balanced diet, adequate sleep and exercise as regularly. The Ismaili Centre Dubai has launched many initiatives, which encourage members to exercise regularly.
One such initiative is Al Ahdaf - an annual football tournament. Now in it’s 6th Year. This years tournament drew a record 150 young men and women ranging from age 13-18, and 20 teams from across the UAE. Spectators chanting, “Dream, Believe and Reach the Sky” brought back memories of the Jubilee Games. The record number of both paricipants and spectators reflects an increased awareness of a healthy lifestyle.
The 2019 tournament saw 150 members in total Kamil Aziz who played a vital role in the organisation of this years event noted that whilst there were many organisational challenges such as the location of pitch, food and beverage arrangements and transportation the youth and sports portfolio succeeded in producing a hugely successful event. Tawfiq Hemnani, a keen footballer, commented that…. "Adhaf helped me find a community of people who were also interested and passionate about sport and with whom I now play regularly…" a sentiment reflected by many other participants.
Other initiatives which have been pursued by the Ismaili Centre Dubai include the UPL- a month long annual cricket tournament, Zumba and yoga sessions The Centre is also equipped with a games and recreational room where members of all ages can enjoy table tennis, foosball, carom, and chess providing a range of activities designed to provide mental as well as physical exercise.
The Jubilee Games held in Dubai in 2016 marked a milestone in highlighting the sporting abilities of members of the community. The event saw athletes from 20 countries compete in 12 sports. Shafaq Naeem - the youngest female participant in the Jubilee Games commented…. "It was all very new for me and to be honest even a little intimidating, however, the team was extremely supportive and encouraging." Shafaq now trains to play handball monthly and hopes to teach the sport to younger members of the community.
His Highness the Aga Khan often emphasises that good health is fundamental to a good quality of life. Initiatives such as Al Ahdaf, UPL, yoga and table tennis all help to highlight the importance of prioritising health.
