ACIC’s Mini Sports Night offers alternative for family

Patrons turned out in their numbers on Saturday night when the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC) hosted its inaugural Mini Sports Night and it is anticipating an even larger turn-out for this Saturday’s events.

In a press release, the ACIC said more than 75 persons participated in track and outdoor events, including eating races, three-legged and sack races, tug-o-war, football goal shoot, basketball hoop shoot and a seven-a-side over softball competition.

Male and female competitors, young and old were divided into two houses captained by Reaz Warisali and Shahab Samad. So far, Shahab’s house is leading but the indoor events, including table tennis, pools, dominoes and darts, may see a new winner emerging this Saturday evening.

Children eagerly await their turn and adults look on as a boy shoots into the net in the basketball hoop shoot activity held as part of the ACIC’s Mini Sports Night last Saturday.

The ACIC said a cricket team from the Al Madinah Islamic Academy in Essequibo defeated its team at Saturday’s games. Led by Imam Salahuddin the team was accompanied by Imam Haleem Khan (Noel) of the Meten Meer Zorg East Masjid and by members of the Leonora Sunnatul Masjid.  The hosts later emerged victorious in a tug-o-war played against Shameer ‘Shamo’ Ali and entourage of the International Muslim Organisation of Canada.

According to ACIC, it transformed the lawns of its complex to accommodate these events as part of its efforts to provide a family alternative for Saturday evenings. A children’s area, equipped with slides, swings and see-saws, has also been installed to cater for children of varying ages. A projector was also available for the airing of family-friendly movies.

The ACIC said the facility was built mainly through the contributions of the Sunnatul Masjid of Ontario, Canada, Sterling Products Limited and the members of the complex. Fazela Gafoor-Khan coordinated the events and Trophies and other prizes will be awarded to the winners in the events.