Olympic Ramadan Iftar project launched

Mozammel Haque
Saudi Gazette

LONDON — The Islamic Cultural Center (ICC) launched the Olympic Ramadan Iftar 2012 project at the Regents Park here, Sunday.

Shaukat Warraich, Director of the project and Chief Executive of Faith Associates, said the program offers Olympic visitors a chance to experience Ramadan with local British Muslim communities. Under the project, mosques will offer Iftar including huge varieties of culinary dishes from Asia, Africa, Europe and the Far East.

The Olympics, starting July 27, will take place during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and in the spirit of collaboration and friendship mosques across Britain will offer Iftar meals to visitors, both Muslims and non-Muslims, officials and participating athletes from across the world.

Hockey star Darren Cheesman (Silver medal hockey winner at the 2007 Olympics) of Team GB, said he would be delighted to take part in the Iftar celebrations. “To have the Olympics in your hometown is just amazing, but to be able to share an experience of your faith with others as part of these celebrations is just fantastic. I hope people will keep an open mind and come along to a local mosque.”

James Brokenshire MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary, Home Office/Olympic said: “The Olympics are in London because London is a vibrant, positive and diverse city – at the heart of one of the most inclusive nations in the world.

“As a part of vibrant community in the heart of London, I know that people here will not just share in the excitement of the sporting event itself, but share in a great opportunity to showcase what London and the rest of the UK has to offer and demonstrate what makes our country so unique.”

Dr. Ahmed Al-Dubayan, Director General of the ICC, London, said his organization was proud to be part of the Iftar campaign.