London:
The Islamic Cultural Center (ICC) launched the Olympic Ramadan
Iftar 2012 project at the Regents Park in London on 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 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", he said.
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 part of vibrant
a 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.
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