British High Commission hosts Olympics Iftar dinner

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (eTN) – The British High Commissioner, Adam Thomson, hosted an Iftar dinner at the British High Commission in Islamabad to mark the start of London 2012 Games.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (eTN) – The British High Commissioner, Adam Thomson, hosted an Iftar dinner at the British High Commission in Islamabad to mark the start of London 2012 Games.

Speaking to the assembled guests of diplomats, Olympic officials, former athletes, and media personnel, the High Commissioner sent his best wishes to the Pakistani athletes participating in the Games.

The guests also enjoyed a display of rare sporting photographs by Yahya Ghaznavi depicting former Pakistani and British Olympians and sporting heroes.

The Iftar dinner reflects the special arrangements that have been made as part of the 2012 Games to enable the observance of Ramadan. The London organizing committee has worked hard to ensure that all athletes, media, spectators, workforce, and volunteers are able to participate fully in the Games while observing Ramadan. For example:

There will be a Multi-Faith Center, which will offer support, pastoral care, and spiritual help to athletes and officials. A chaplaincy team, including a full complement of Muslim Chaplains, will be available to all athletes and officials 24 hours a day at this Multi-Faith Center, seven days a week, during the
Games. Olympic teams will be able to order “break of fast” packs, which will include water, nutritional bars, and fruit.

The Olympic Village dining hall will offer 24-hour catering, and there will be faith rooms for Olympic staff to use when needed.

Speaking at the occasion, the British High Commissioner to Pakistan Adam Thomson said: “This year, the Olympics falls within Ramadan. For the more than 3,000 Muslim athletes competing at the 2012 Games, this will be a once in a lifetime chance to compete with the same discipline, focus, and commitment required of them during their holiest month. Pakistan’s advance party 39-strong delegation is already in London and consists of 23 athletes and 16 officials.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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