Games Bond

The Arab world got together in Cairo for the start of the pan-Arab Games. Nashwa Abdel-Tawab reports on a unique union

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Synchronisation at the opening ceremony of the pan-Arab Games

Talking the same language, having the same religion, adopting the same culture, breathing the same polluted air, and suffering the same daily dilemmas are unique bonds, both good and bad, that featured in the start of the 11th pan-Arab Games which opened in Cairo on Sunday. Unlike the Olympics which focusses mainly on sporting achievements, the Arab Games reflect an ummah or nation with the same history of thick and thin moments; a gathering of ancient countries joined by common, deep roots whose branches compete to show off flourishing blossoms; pride with a civilisation that unites nations who expect neither records or smashing victories. It is, after all, a family game.

The pan-Arab Games are one of the most important regional multi-sport event held in the Arab world, with the first Games being held 1953 in Alexandria, Egypt, the brain-idea of Ahmed Demerdash El-Toni. Due to political turmoil and instability in the region, the Games have not been held every four years as was originally planned. In the end, the Games are behind by two championships.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak opened the Games at Cairo International Stadium with a large number of senior Arab figures and representatives of sports from the Arab world attending the opening ceremony. Several Arab leaders attended, including Jordan's King Abdullah II, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir,

The three-hour opening ceremony, featuring an operetta entitled "Arab history and civilisation", was also attended by Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee, Kuwaiti Minister of Justice, Social Affairs and Labour Jamal Al-Shihab, Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa, Arab Sports Confederation President Sultan bin Fahd and several Arab ministers and senior sports officials.

More than 5,000 armed forces personnel and some 950 university students participated in the operetta.

In an address at the opening ceremony, Moussa reviewed the history of the pan-Arab Games since it was first held 1953 in the Egyptian city of Alexandria, praising the Egyptian government for the excellent preparations for the present-day Games.

The participating athletes, coaches and administrators then entered the stadium to the strains of the famed patriotic song "Amgad Ya Arab" (Glories of Arabs). Iraq, Palestine and Egypt received the biggest applause.

The operetta was divided into eight parts. It started with the narration of the Prophet Ibraham's trip in the desert, then to Mecca, and Arab unity under Islam, and stressed the power of words in the Qur'an and how it helped Arabs achieve what was at the time unprecedented achievements. Several dances depicted Arab literature and arts, and performances explained Arab leadership in philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, gardening and music. The performance highlighted the work of Arab scientists, poets, philosophers, mathematicians and expeditionary travellers.

Hamdi El-Safi, Egypt's veteran volleyballer, read out the athlete's oath.

Mubarak officially opened the ceremony, reading from a one-line written message. The ceremony concluded the way it began, with the playing of the Egyptian national anthem.

The venues of the Games are Cairo, Giza, Port Said, Ismailia, Alexandria, Assiut, Aswan and North Sinai.

Some 6,000 athletes and officials from 22 Arab countries are participating in 32 sports.

Out of the previous 10 tournaments, Egypt has participated in the pan-Arab Games seven times, winning the title six times and runners-up once. Due to war-related and political reasons, Egypt did not participate three times: in Beirut 1957, Damascus 1976 and Casablanca 1985.

Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif said before the ceremony and following the inauguration of the press centre for the Games that the preparation for the tournament had been completed. Nazif said he was sure Egypt would show its hospitality to its Arab brethren and provide all facilities for them.

The Games, to be held in Egypt from 11-25 November, expresses a new message of Arab solidarity expressing hope for the success not only of Arabs in sports but in overcoming current turmoil in the region.