|
After the popularity and success of COEJ ladies Bank Holiday sports tournament, this year the opportunity was given to gents to hold inter-Jamaat sports tournament. The venue was Werrington sports Centre, approx. 4miles north of the Husayni Islamic Centre in Peterborough.
The organising of the tournament started in early July when the sports chairmen of all Jamaats were contacted by phone. The initial meeting to discuss the format, rules and regulations took place at the Husayni Islamic Centre. There was remarkably good attendance at this meeting and every sports club was given a task to fulfil towards organising various events. Soon after that relevant forms were circulated with posters to be displayed in the Imambaras. Nine Jamaats were represented on the day. Teams from Hyderi, Leicester, Leeds, Milton Keynes, Peterborough, Stanmore, SICM of North London, Wessex and Switzerland participated. Two hundred and seventy one participants from the ages of eight and on- wards competed in their chosen sport. It was sad to learn on that day that no participants from Birmingham Jamaat were able to attend. Leeds Jamaat were first to arrive on Saturday night and were received and accommodated at the Husayni Islamic Centre. On Sunday, most of the participants had arrived at the Werrington Sports Centre. After having had their breakfast the first lot of matches commenced. The tournament commenced with Badminton and Table tennis being played simultaneously on eight courts and three tables. Squash was played in four courts. Also five-a-side football matches were started on the two pitches outdoors. In the afternoon the most popular sport "volley ball" was played indoors on two courts. The various sporting events included Badminton (Singles & Doubles), Table tennis (Singles, Doubles & over 40 yrs), Volleyball, Squash and Five-a-side Football. Each participant was limited to a maximum of two events. The two-day event ended on the evening of Monday 28th August with presentation of trophies for the winners and runners-up. The President of the Council of European Jamaats, Jafferbhai Dharamsi, was asked to say a few words and the trophies were presented by Al Hajj Gulam Abbas (Tommy). We are thankful to Al Hajj Gulam Abbas (Tommy), for his generous donation of £100 towards the next COEJ Men's sports tournament.
Dr. Husein Jiwa
Organiser |
