Zoroastrians Abroad
Sports and socialization
"We have worked hard over the past 18 to 24 months to continue the rich legacy that has defined the Zoroastrian Games through the decades, and to deliver an inspiring, competitive, fun experience for all ages,” said Eric Elavia, who led the 15th Zoroastrian Games operating team from June 30 to July 4, 2016 at Elmhurst College in Chicago for "an unforgettable sports and social experience.”
A highly-competitive Olympics-style tradition, this year the biennial event was hosted and organized conjointly by the Zoroastrian Association of Chicago (ZAC) and the Zoroastrian Sports Committee (ZSC), a standing committee of the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA). As commented ZSC president Dr Niaz Kasravi, "For more than 28 years, ZSC has been bringing together athletes, sports fans and other members of the Zoroastrian community from across the globe.”
"This truly international sporting event provides an opportunity to compete and interact with fellow Zoroastrians from around the world, joining together in friendly competition to cultivate healthy living, friendship, and sportsmanship. Our community has placed tremendous passion and dedication into planning this exciting weekend and we are grateful for the involvement and support of all athletes and their families,” stated ZAC president Rayomand Ravji.
A highly-competitive Olympics-style tradition, this year the biennial event was hosted and organized conjointly by the Zoroastrian Association of Chicago (ZAC) and the Zoroastrian Sports Committee (ZSC), a standing committee of the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA). As commented ZSC president Dr Niaz Kasravi, "For more than 28 years, ZSC has been bringing together athletes, sports fans and other members of the Zoroastrian community from across the globe.”
"This truly international sporting event provides an opportunity to compete and interact with fellow Zoroastrians from around the world, joining together in friendly competition to cultivate healthy living, friendship, and sportsmanship. Our community has placed tremendous passion and dedication into planning this exciting weekend and we are grateful for the involvement and support of all athletes and their families,” stated ZAC president Rayomand Ravji.
Athletes and fans cultivate sportsmanship at the events organized for the 15th Zoroastrian Games in Chicago
Following the opening ceremony on July 1 that included a parade of athletes, states and nations, as well as lighting of the torch, the first three days had scheduled tournaments in basketball, volleyball, swimming, track, tennis, table tennis and golf. The participants were divided as Adult Sports Registrants (age 16 and up) and Youth Sports Registrants (ages seven to 15). Three evening events showcased Chicago’s diversity in food, entertainment and nightlife with A Rendezvous @ Reza’s, The Chicago Experience, and a marquee red-carpet banquet to celebrate the athletes and legacy of the Zoroastrian Games. The closing ceremony on July 4 recognized athletes, medal winners, donors and volunteer organizers. The mega event was co-sponsored by Elmhurst-based Mehta Motors/My Car Wash, ZAC and the World Zoroastrian Organisation. Details on the events and organizers with photos appear on the website zathletics.com
"The Zoroastrian Games were founded in 1988 by a handful of youth who had a vision to promote sportsmanship, teamwork and friendship. The result has been many years of fruitful Zoroastrian Games held in different cities,” noted a message from FEZANA president Homi Gandhi. The organizers hope that those who attend these events every two years would end up being healthier by making sports a routine part of their lives.
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From the archive