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Madinat al-Muslimeen Islamic Message Board
| World Special Olympics Ireland 2003 |
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| Anonymous |
| 07/05/02 at 03:04:17 |
| http://www.2003specialolympics.com/ I realize that this event has little to do with Islam, but inshallah many of the countries that participate in this event are Muslim countries, including, Pakistan, India, Bangledesh, UAE, Saudia Arabia, Jordan, etc. I participated in this event 3 years ago as a delegation assistant, spending 18 hours a day with these athletes (I worked with Pakistani delegation) and it definitely impacted me. These athletes, many from poor working families, train hard for their events. They touch you in so many ways, that you know that you will never forget them. These athletes, all with some disability, are all so sweet and kind people- unlike the many athletes we see in the media today. So, why I am posting here? Because when these athletes come to Ireland, they will need the support of their fellow countrymen in the stands to cheer them on. It is amazing, but in our community, this event was in the news for two years and everyone knew they were coming but not one Pakistani person came to any of the events and believe me these events are equivalent to many sporting events, in terms of athleticism. But, we had othe countries in the stands with their flags, and it made the athletes feel a little on the down side. So, please if you live in Ireland or in Europe, and have time, please volunteer as delegation leader, assistant or language interpreter- they definitely will need you and it is a great dawah opportunity. And if you don't have the time, come as a spectator, with flags- that is an amazing feelings, see your country's flag ij the stand. But please volunteer today by registering, because if you wait until too late, two months before, they will assign non-Muslims to delegations mostly of Muslim countries and that is unfortunate. We should support our fellow athletes, be it with mental disablities or whoever. Please pass the word to other people in that area so mosques can get involved and invite these athletes for jummah or a lunch. It is refreshing and comforting to have Muslims from another country invite you to see them. Thanks and please post! |
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