A website dedicated to photographs and videos from Canada and around the world with an emphasis on nature, wildlife, food, travel and sport as well as art, architecture and culture. In culture, the focus will be on projects related to the work of His Highness the Aga Khan, his Ismaili Muslim community and Islam in general.
11-Year-Old Ismaili Boy, Izmir Kassam, Reaches His Goal of $40,000 as Thousands in Calgary and Edmonton Walk to Raise Over $1 Million for the 40th Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk
A question somewhere in Prince’s Hill Park for everyone to think about, Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
The question raised in the above photograph can have simplistic responses from a physical and mental fitness point of view. However, it told me I was in the right area of Calgary’s Prince’s Island Park for the World Partnership Walk (WPW) on June 2, 2024. It then reminded me of the incredible journey of the yearly WPW. This event started in Vancouver in 1985 and has grown into a global movement, spreading hope and support to people in Asia and Africa. In Canada, it stands as a testament to the power of collective action, being the most significant public movement in support of global development.
CALGARY, ALBERTA
One of several panel displays highlighting the impact of the Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
Covering events organized by the Ismaili Muslim Jamati (community) institutions and the Aga Khan Development Network agencies such as the Aga Khan Foundation and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (for example the Aga Khan Museum and the Park) brings immense joy to me. With its strong sense of unity and organization, the Ismaili community is a beacon of admiration for thousands of people who attend their outreach functions. In Calgary, I have had the privilege to participate in — and report on — the Stampede Breakfast (2022, 2023), a testament to our shared values and community spirit, held annually on the grounds of the Ismaili Headquarters Jamatkhana.
The annual Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk (WPW) is celebrating its 40th year. I have participated in walks in Ottawa, Montreal, and Toronto and reported on the walks in Kitchner-Waterloo (2013) and Vancouver (2016). The “in-person” walks were temporarily suspended during Covid-19. For 2024, rejoining the “in-person” walks are Toronto (May 26), Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver (all June 2), and Victoria (June 23).
For me, there was no excuse not to be at Calgary’s beautiful Prince’s Island Park for the Walk on Sunday, June 2, 2024. But what truly inspired me was meeting Izmir Kassam, an eleven-year-old young boy with a cherished goal of raising $40,000.00 for the 40th anniversary walk. His determination and the support from members of the Ismaili community led him to meet the goal through all the contributions received and pledges that have been made. I was also impressed by the participation of the youth of the Jamat as walkers, entertainers and volunteers. Absolutely amazing!
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Izmir Kassam eager to start his 10 km run for the Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Shamez Kassam.
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Mehrun Hassanali (centre), who laid the foundation for the Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk in 1985, pictured with Izmir Kassam’s parents, Zahrah and Shamez, Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Dr. Shameela Karmali-Rawji whose piece in Simerg contributed to Izmir Kassam’s success in reaching his goal of $40,000 for the Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
When I got to the event, Izmir had already completed his 45-minute, ten-kilometre run. With a big smile, he told me he enjoyed the run. It was a pleasure to meet his parents and one of the founders of the Walk in 1985, Mehrun Hassanali. I would be remiss if I did not mention Dr. Shameela Karmali, whose inspiring piece on Izmir, a few days ahead of the Walk, drew readers’ attention to support Izmir in his noble goal. His achievement is an inspiration for other young children and youth everywhere.
Enjoy the pictures that my friends and I took at the Walk in Calgary, and I am truly grateful to Nazir Kassamali for sending photos of the Edmonton Walk, which raised more than $400,000. The confirmed walk attendance in Edmonton was 3,000. Khalil Shariff, CEO of the Aga Khan Foundation Canada, was at the Calgary Walk and he and others on the stage thanked everyone for their support and participation in the events, which made them successful and meaningful.
Volunteers get special instructions before the commencement of the Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Face painting, Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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A Baitul-Ilm teacher with her special needs student and his family and friends, Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Supporters of the Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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A & W Mascot and friend hold banners about some of the objectives of the Aga Khan Foundation Canada through the World Partnership Walk, Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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The cutting of the ribbon and the start of the Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Excited walkers take selfies at the Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Participants take off for the Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Participants take off for the Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Femida Sayani (right), originally from Ottawa, with a friend and dog at the Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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A beautiful scene at Prince’s Hill Park as walkers pass through trees at the Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Young and old supported the Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024, which raised $640,000. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Beautiful young volunteers and supporters of the Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Against a backdrop of the Calgary skyline, Ismaili youth hold banners about some of the objectives of the Aga Khan Foundation Canada through the World Partnership Walk, Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Family and friends, Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024, which raised $640,000. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Family and friends, Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024, which raised $640,000. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Volunteers prepare mishkaki (barbequed beef skewers, East African style) while participants are walking at the Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Walker’s cross a bridge at the scenic Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk held at Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Young walkers and volunteers on bridge across river at the scenic Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk held, Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Hundreds at the Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk in Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024, which raised $640,000. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Walkers cross a bridge over the Bow River during their Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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By the looks, a satisfying Kulfi at the Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024, which raised $640,000. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Volunteers at the refreshments counter, Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Talented youth entertain at the Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024, which raised $640,000. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Closing remarks, the Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Prince’s Hill Park, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024, which raised $640,000. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Pride of the Ismaili community, Izmir Kassam, as he is congratulated by Zahra Shajani, the President of His Highness the Aga Khan Ismaili Council for Prairies, for completing his 10 km run to raise funds for Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Shameela Karmali-Rawji.
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EDMONTON, ALBERTA
A beautiful view of the Edmonton Skyline across the North Saskatchewan River and the Waterdale Bridge as walkers make their way back to the grounds of the Alberta Provincial Legislature following their Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Edmonton, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Nazir Kassamali.
Walk participants, Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Alberta Legislature Grounds, Edmonton, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Nazir Kassamali.
Yasmin and Nazir Kassamali (contributor of the Edmonton photos in this post) at the High Level Walking Bridge that goes over the North Saskatchewan River during the Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Edmonton, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Nazir Kassamali.
Dr. Nazir Sumar and walkers at the Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Edmonton, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Nazir Kassamali.
Volunteers, Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Edmonton, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Nazir Kassamali.
Volunteer group photo, Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk, Edmonton, Canada, June 2, 2024. Photograph: Nazir Kassamali.
Date posted: June 3, 2024.
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