Conference & Eventslocal news
Veteran Players of Al-Wehda, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahly Honor Dr. Ismail Watara in a Memorable Ceremony
By Osman Khalifa Madani, Makkah Al-Mukarramah*
The Sultan Field in Al-Hamra district of Makkah Al-Mukarramah witnessed a grand gathering of veteran players from Al-Wehda, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahly clubs. The event, held in honor of their former teammate and current scout leader at Al-Hassan Bin Ali Intermediate School, Dr. Ismail Watara, celebrated his achievement in earning a doctorate degree. The occasion displayed the enduring sportsmanship and camaraderie among the players of yesterday.
The ceremony began with the national anthem, followed by a speech from the organizers delivered by Captain Mohammed Kalow. A celebratory match was held, featuring star players alongside Dr. Watara’s friends. The match rekindled memories of their performances on the green fields and dusty grounds of the past. Commentary was provided by Suleiman Shaib, Bashir Al-Hassas, and scout Ibrahim Suleiman Abkar. The first half was officiated by renowned referee Saeed Abu Saada, marking his return to officiating after a 20-year hiatus, while the second half was refereed by Captain Omar Jawah.
During the intermission, Ibrahim Suleiman Abkar, one of Dr. Watara’s former elementary school students, delivered a heartfelt speech emphasizing his mentor’s dedication to nurturing talented scouts and students. Educational leader Faiz Jumaan Al-Ghamdi, principal of Al-Hassan Bin Ali Intermediate School, also praised Dr. Watara’s voluntary, humanitarian, and educational contributions.
A ceremonial guard of honor was held as Dr. Watara received numerous gifts at the center of the field. Scout leader Engineer Bakr Ibrahim Al-Tambakti presented him with a scarf and badge from the Makkah Youth Scouts. Additionally, he was given a special gift from journalist and scout leader Osman Khalifa Madani, as well as presents from the organizing committee led by Captain Adam Abu Al-Bashar and the team members. Gifts included memorabilia, perfumes, smart devices, and laptops.
Students from Al-Hassan Bin Ali Intermediate School distributed commemorative tokens to attendees, consisting of a pen engraved with the event’s name, a prayer bead, and sweets. The stadium was packed with sports enthusiasts, veteran players, and notable personalities from various sectors, including Captain Adam Mohammed Hawsawi, former president of the Makkah Neighborhood Teams Association, and Captain Sultan Saeed Abdul-Rabbu.
The celebration began with a scout parade by the Al-Hassan Bin Ali school scout team, who welcomed Dr. Watara with chants and scout anthems as he entered the field. The event culminated in a keynote address by Dr. Ismail Watara himself. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the event, emphasizing the unity and friendship among the sporting community.
“This wonderful night strengthened bonds and fostered the exchange of experiences between generations, from grandparents to parents and grandchildren,” Dr. Watara said, marking the ceremony as a testament to love, fraternity, and collaboration within the sports and broader community.
The Sultan Field in Al-Hamra district of Makkah Al-Mukarramah witnessed a grand gathering of veteran players from Al-Wehda, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahly clubs. The event, held in honor of their former teammate and current scout leader at Al-Hassan Bin Ali Intermediate School, Dr. Ismail Watara, celebrated his achievement in earning a doctorate degree. The occasion displayed the enduring sportsmanship and camaraderie among the players of yesterday.
The ceremony began with the national anthem, followed by a speech from the organizers delivered by Captain Mohammed Kalow. A celebratory match was held, featuring star players alongside Dr. Watara’s friends. The match rekindled memories of their performances on the green fields and dusty grounds of the past. Commentary was provided by Suleiman Shaib, Bashir Al-Hassas, and scout Ibrahim Suleiman Abkar. The first half was officiated by renowned referee Saeed Abu Saada, marking his return to officiating after a 20-year hiatus, while the second half was refereed by Captain Omar Jawah.
During the intermission, Ibrahim Suleiman Abkar, one of Dr. Watara’s former elementary school students, delivered a heartfelt speech emphasizing his mentor’s dedication to nurturing talented scouts and students. Educational leader Faiz Jumaan Al-Ghamdi, principal of Al-Hassan Bin Ali Intermediate School, also praised Dr. Watara’s voluntary, humanitarian, and educational contributions.
A ceremonial guard of honor was held as Dr. Watara received numerous gifts at the center of the field. Scout leader Engineer Bakr Ibrahim Al-Tambakti presented him with a scarf and badge from the Makkah Youth Scouts. Additionally, he was given a special gift from journalist and scout leader Osman Khalifa Madani, as well as presents from the organizing committee led by Captain Adam Abu Al-Bashar and the team members. Gifts included memorabilia, perfumes, smart devices, and laptops.
Students from Al-Hassan Bin Ali Intermediate School distributed commemorative tokens to attendees, consisting of a pen engraved with the event’s name, a prayer bead, and sweets. The stadium was packed with sports enthusiasts, veteran players, and notable personalities from various sectors, including Captain Adam Mohammed Hawsawi, former president of the Makkah Neighborhood Teams Association, and Captain Sultan Saeed Abdul-Rabbu.
The celebration began with a scout parade by the Al-Hassan Bin Ali school scout team, who welcomed Dr. Watara with chants and scout anthems as he entered the field. The event culminated in a keynote address by Dr. Ismail Watara himself. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the event, emphasizing the unity and friendship among the sporting community.
“This wonderful night strengthened bonds and fostered the exchange of experiences between generations, from grandparents to parents and grandchildren,” Dr. Watara said, marking the ceremony as a testament to love, fraternity, and collaboration within the sports and broader community.
