An estimated crowd of over 2,000 from around the world gathered at Calgary’s Max Bell Centre to watch the opening ceremonies of the Canadian Ismaili Games.

Once the MC - Calgary’s Rishma Somji - welcomed the crowd, the ceremony began with a passionate rendition of O Canada sung by Simone Rajan. The athletes march and a lighting of the torch ceremony followed, which outdid the one at Vancouver's 2010 Olympics as all the torches were lit flawlessly!

The audience was treated to a dance by the Sorrel Drum Group. The aboriginal group performed their traditional Native hoop dance – a story telling ritual where five hoops are formed into a butterfly, eagle, snake and coyote, thus signifying the circle of life.

Finally, the ceremony concluded with the Prairies’ Ismaili choir singing a bilingual rendition of “I Believe,” originally by Nikki Yanofsky.

Behesta Moradi, a 19-year-old from Montreal, travelled across the country to watch friends compete. Like the others in attendance, she enjoyed the opening ceremonies and she’s excited to see all the people she knows and meet new friends at the Games.

When President of the Ismaili Council for the Prairies, Fauzia Lalani-Khudabux, addressed the crowd she said she hopes the comradery, unity and sense of community will live on in their memories.

"It is my sincere hope that each of you will take home with you a set of unique memories and new friends."

The swim meet at the Canadian Ismaili Games turned out to be quite the family affair. Siblings, parents and their children and even some spouses raced with and against each other at the event.

There were the Damji sisters from B.C., who competed against each other for the first time at the 2015 Games. They swam on opposing 4 x 100m relay teams.

“I think I can beat her,” said Nabila Damji, 29, before backpedaling in respect for her sister Karima, 32. “(No), she’s faster. I saw her swim today.”

Alnoor Lakhani watched his son and two daughters churn it up in the pool. He had expected to be competing at the Games himself until a hip injury sidelined him. Still, he had only positive things to say about the CIG experience, save for one issue.

“I lost my voice,” he chuckled. A small cost for success - his children, Sahar, Alam and Alizah, medaled in their events.

Amin Jinnah, 52, swam against his son Yousuf, 16, in both the 100m breast stroke and 200m breast stroke races. The father-son duo swam together as part of the Ontario 4 x 100m relay team.

“This was a very special experience for me,” said the elder Jinnah. “The funnest part was that we were able to train together, and that allowed us to bond.” Yousuf nodded in agreement.

Amin’s wife Amynah looked on from the stands.

“What’s really been amazing is the friendships we have made not only between the athletes in team Ontario, but all of the other teams,” she says. “Everyone is clapping in the end, and that’s been the most incredible part of this.”

And in case anyone’s wondering, younger sister, Nabila Damji, had the best 100m of her life, crushing her previous best by over 10 seconds, and beating her older sister for the first time in her life. 

The Prairies’ ladies hockey team had more on their minds at the Canadian Ismaili Games than simply winning. They were playing in memory of Arif Khakoo, their former coach who passed away a month and a half before the Games.

Khakoo, diagnosed with head and neck cancer a year ago, left behind his wife Zahra and five-year-old daughter Ziyanna.

The players wore red bandanas with the message “In memory of Arif Khakoo” as well as wearing a sticker on their helmets. As another gesture they had Ziyanna sit on their bench throughout the tournament.

Khakhoo was a goalie in the Ismaili Hockey League until he passed and he consistently preached the words of Ziad K. Abdelnour: “Never let success get to your head and never let failure get to your heart.”

Above all, Khakhoo believed in the Ismaili Community uniting as one Jamat. He would have been proud to witness the events of the 2015 Calgary Ismaili Games. 

“Leave Your Mark” implored posters and banner for the 2015 Canadian Ismaili Games.

And the athletes did — running, swimming, dancing, and scoring their way to victory. Their efforts were matched by the volunteers, families and spectators who supported them.

Thousands of Ismailis gathered in Calgary during the first weekend of August to take part in the national sporting event, which serves as a qualifier for the 2016 international Jubilee Games in Dubai.

The Canadian Games concluded with a closing ceremony held at the BMO Centre and Stampede Corral.

» Continue reading: Calgary’s Canadian Ismaili Games leave their mark