This was supposed to be the time of 2020 when sports activities were going to be at its peak across the categories. Preparations had already started for the London-Brighton bike ride expecting even greater participation compared to last year. The football season had entered its last phase with cup games lined up. Our volleyball team was planning a trip to New York for yet another international participation. The SJRS and Marhaba summer festivals were gathering momentum.
The SJ Spirit
Resilience during challenging times measures the strength of an institution and it is encouraging to witness the level of Stanmore Jafferys creativity where we have remained engaged and active in the current situation. This demonstrates the strength of our community club and our members right at the grassroots depicting unity and passion. From video conference calls and online fitness classes to weekly challenges and quiz shows. The club has displayed the SJ spirit throughout this period and paved way for creative engagement.
A Global Campaign
Three weeks ago I signed up to Strava and undertook an initial 5 mile bike ride together with my sons to participate in SJ Cycling’s latest initiative with the aim of raising funds to provide nutritious food packs to some of the families most in need in over 20 countries around the world. 23 days later I completed my 50 mile pledge just before the sun set to mark the first night of Shawwal.
Whilst I am personally pleased with this performance it is just a shadow of what the other riders have performed, especially the very young children shining as the stars of this campaign both with miles clocked and the funds raised. With the campaign finishing line approaching, latest figures report that once again we have exceeded our targets set out. Adding to this remarkable achievement, it is heartwarming indeed to see riders from Orlando, Vancouver, Dubai, Karachi, and DarEsSalaam joining us here in the UK making this a truly global campaign.
SJ Cycling was set for further growth this year and is very much on track albeit using slightly different routes than initially planned.
The Moon of Certainty
The Shawwal Moon will mark the beginning of the last quarter of my current two-year term as the SJ chairman and next week I am due to virtually meet the EC and the Sports Heads to plan the remaining six months of this year. Whilst charting out the path for the immediate future is going to be based on uncertainty, what remains certain is that I continue to be inspired by the members’ inspiration and together we will continue to keep the SJ spirit alive and active.
I wish the community and members a very happy Eid.
With Salaams
Shafique Govani
Chairman, Stanmore Jafferys
