Jamat catches the Olympic spirit (5)

In September 2009, during the run-up to the Winter Games, an Olympic Truce Dialogue was held at the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby. Her Excellency the Governor General of Canada, Michaelle Jean, addressed some 200 youth from British Columbia. Ismaili Council for Canada President Mohamed Manji welcomed the Governor General, the CEO of VANOC, John Furlong, and all Truce Dialogue participants to the Ismaili Centre.

Photo: Rideau Hall/MCpl Jean-François Néron
Rideau Hall/MCpl Jean-François Néron
Photo: Rideau Hall/MCpl Jean-François Néron
Rideau Hall/MCpl Jean-François Néron

At a subsequent Olympic Truce Youth Dialogue held on 10 February 2010, their Excellencies the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean and Mr Jean-Daniel Lafond met with over 500 young leaders to mark the Olympic Winter Games through a high-energy discussion.

Photo: Rideau Hall/Sgt Serge Gouin
Rideau Hall/Sgt Serge Gouin

Youth from diverse backgrounds and cultures and social strata participated in the dialogue, including many Ismailis. The Ismaili community co-managed the event and provided human resource support.

Photo: Rideau Hall/Sgt Serge Gouin
Rideau Hall/Sgt Serge Gouin

The theme of the Youth Dialogue was Promoting Mutual Understanding. His Serene Highness Albert II Sovereign Prince of Monaco delivered an address.

Photo: Rideau Hall/Sgt Serge Gouin
Rideau Hall/Sgt Serge Gouin

After the dialogue, the Governor General met with the Ismaili volunteers and expressed her appreciation for their contributions towards the success of the event, recalling the earlier Truce Dialogue held at the Ismaili Centre.