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10,000 Ismaili Muslims from more than 25 countries attend Jubilee Games' opening ceremony

Over 2,000 athletes from different parts of the world took part in the opening ceremony of weeklong Jubilee Games, an intra-community global sports event, held in Dubai on Saturday.

Jubilee Games, organised by the Ismaili Muslim community in association with the Dubai Sports Council, was attended by more than 10,000 people from more than 25 countries.

Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, attended the opening ceremony, which was held at Shaikh Rashid Hall, World Trade Centre.

Shaikh Nahyan said: "Everyone hopes to become winners. Although your reason tells you that some people will not win, your heart tells you that you will not be a loser. Let me assure you, both your reason and heart are correct. Winners will be in the minority, but all of you are winners.

"Sports inherently promote that paradox. All participants are winners. They pursue excellence, live by the highest principles, and perform with skill and courage.''

The event was also attended by another guest of honour, Prince Rahim Aga Khan, the eldest son of the Aga Khan IV.

Prince Rahim said: "In the current times, I can think of no better way than this and of no better place than Dubai to promote the notion of bringing young minds from diverse backgrounds together in the spirit of friendship and peace.

"Indeed this is in keeping with the theme of Expo 2020. These moments will be memorable for all of us and particularly for our young athlete," he added.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai Tourism and Commercial Marketing, said: "Being awarded the honour of hosting the Jubilee Games is recognition of Dubai's stature as a global leading city, built on the fabric of its multi-cultural society, and the city's inherent ability to bring together people, perspectives and passions from all over the world."

gaurav@khaleejtimes.com