Islamabad
One of pillars on which the Karim Khan Welfare Foundation (KKAWF) has been founded is the promotion of Sports as its members believe the problems of adolescence, specifically the use of drugs, can be minimized through sporting activities and physical education. The foundation believes that sports should be made mandatory in the school curriculum and unless the Ministry of Education and Sport does not recognize the urgency of this implementation, the Foundation sees little hope in succeeding in the battle against drugs.
To recognize their contribution a Certificate Awarding Ceremony was held by KKAWF for volunteers and other caring persons who participated in the event commemorating the International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) – ‘Save tomorrow – Time to Remember Time to Act.’ The function was held at Aesop’s Table and attended by drug addiction counsellors that are collaborating with KKAWF and members of the board, while the guest of honour was Majid Khan, one of the legendary figures of Pakistani cricket.
Welcoming the gathering, Founder KKAWF, Cristina von Sperling Afridi emphasised the importance of the participation of young people in successfully organising such events that promoted sports - such as the one held recently - the success of which could not have been possible without the energy and enthusiasm of the young volunteers.
Majid Khan shared his views on the importance of sports in people’s lives and in the development of the country, interspersing his remarks with humour as well as giving them something to think about. He related some aspects of his own life and the advantages of have chosen a career in sports – one of them being that he travelled around the world. He also asked the audience to reflect Pakistan’s current standing in the world of sports. “My advice to you is to take an interest in a sport and very soon you will feel energized and happier,” he said. “Not to say anything about the other benefits that will follow.”
Besides Majid Khan, certificates were awarded by distinguished diplomat and Member of KKAWF Board, Ambassador Asharaf Qazi, who said a few words relating to a couple of Majid Khan’s famous moments; Executive Director of USEFP, Rita Akhtar and Ambassador (r) Tariq Khan Afridi - who was a polo player - both of whom expressed their support of sports and education in relevant one liners.
In conclusion, refreshments were served and a cake with the foundation’s colourful butterfly symbol and the motto ‘Stay Clean’ was cut (there has to be a cake!) and during this time there was a chance for the older and younger generations to interact if they wanted to get to know each other better. Recipients of certificates were Aaron Haroon Rashid; Haroon General (Sec Gen Islamabad Cycling Association) Sharmeen Ali; Rahat Shigri; Khawaja Zaheeruddin; Rumeena Imran; Malaika Imran; Momin Khan Tajik; Mahnoor Babur; Minahil Babur; Omar Zulfiqar; Aqib Tayib; Lubna Hayauddin; Mian Hamza Hayauddin; Hizbar Hayauddin; Osayd Hayauddin; Jahan Ali Hameed; Salaar Khan; Amna Khan; Shafaq Sohail; Ushna Azeem; Fatima Naz; Fatima Suktan; Murad Jamil and musicians Wild ManGoes; Saakin (Sufi Rock Band) and Mikail Murshed (Rapper).
