Unity. Fun. Competitive. These are just some of the words that many people use to describe the Al-Wahda Sports Festival. Hundreds of Muslims will gather in Toronto, Canada, from June 28 to July 1, 2019, to participate in the 4th Al-Wahda Sports Festival and Carnival. With more than 12 kinds of sports for men and women to choose from, including fun sports activities for children and seniors, and a fun-filled carnival for the whole community, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
“Sports has the tremendous power of bringing people together and this is the main goal of the Al-Wahda Sports Festival,” said Shafiq Ebrahim, Festival Chair. “When we created and named this festival Al-Wahda, more than six years ago, our goal was to foster unity, celebration and bring the community together through sports and activities for the whole family to enjoy,” he added. In essence, it’s an opportunity to compete in good sportsmanship and celebrate with fellow Muslim brother and sisters from different parts of Toronto, North America and the world.
The Festival is organized by the Islamic Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat (ISIJ) of Toronto, North America’s largest Jamaat, and it is held every two years. About 30 volunteers work tirelessly months in advance to organize this Festival behind the scenes and make sure it is executed as seamless and efficient as possible.
This year’s festival weekend will be packed with competitive sports activities, including:
- For women: Badminton, Ball Hockey, Carrom, Scrabble, Soccer, Tennis and Volleyball
- For men: Badminton, Ball Hockey, Basketball, Carrom, Cricket, Tennis, Table Tennis, Scrabble, Soccer,
Softball, Squash and Volleyball
“For the first time ever, we are thrilled to introduce a new children’s program so the youngest members of our community can join the fun through,” said Sakina Rashid, Sports Director. The program is for children aged two to six and enables children to make new friends through fun, interactive and engaging physical games and sports, added Rashid.
In addition to sports, players and community members can enjoy carnival-themed games, food vendors, a ladies’ bazaar and much more.
Get involved
Muslims can participate in the Al-Wahda Sports Festival by:
- Taking part in one or more of the 12 sports where you can register as a team, player or a free agent. (Link this to registration page)
- Supporting the Festival through sponsorship opportunities (Silver and standalone packages are still available). (Link these to sponsorship page)
- Taking part in the carnival and connecting with the community.
- Volunteering
Did you know the Festival conveniently falls on the Canada Day long weekend, Canada’s national day? It is, in fact, one of the best times to visit Canada! The Festival will conclude with a captivating closing ceremony and a memorable Canada Day celebration with fireworks right at the Jaffari Community Centre.
“We welcome community members from around the world and look forward to seeing you all in a few months,” concluded Ebrahim.
Stay informed
Check out the Al-Wahda Sports Festival website alwahdafestival.com for more information, including sponsorship opportunities and registration. The registration deadline is May 15.
Follow the Festival on social media for more frequent updates @alwahdafestival on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!