Somalia and Colombia receive a colorful welcome ceremony

London : A colorful welcome ceremony has been organized for delegates and athletes from Somalia and Colombia at the 2.012 Olympic village in east Londonon Friday morning. 

It was a very joyful experience when the Somali national anthem was rung with tears fell down on cheeks of the jubilant Somalis when they heard the national anthem as the flag of Somaliawaved over heads.

Dozens of jubilant Somali community members including former national basketball team maker Hawa Sheik Taako and Dahabo Hassan Ahmed were waving the Somali flag during the welcome ceremony on Friday. 

On the other hand Somalis here in the UK have been holding welcome ceremonies for the homeland delegation since Somalia arrived here on Wednesday morning.

“Today I am very cheerful, because I had never thought that I will meet with Somali athletes representing our homeland, but it happened today and that is why I am very happy” a 19 year old girl Hafsa farah told the media during the Somalia welcome ceremony on Friday.

Hafsa was born in theUKand it was in 2002 when she first visited her homeland while 9 years old. 

“I am very hopeful to return to peaceful Somalia in the months to come” the teenage girl told the media.

Somali poet Abdullahi Bootaan Hassan who represented Somaliain the Olympic poetry Parnassus was also there to share the pleasure with the rest of Somali community members at the welcome ceremony on Friday.

Somaliawas among the 17 countries whose poets were short-listed as the front runners of the Olympic poetry Parnassus competition held in June 26-July 1st.

Somali Olympic delegation chief Omar Abdulkader Baarajab said that it never happened in the outside world that a delegation from Somalia receives such great welcome. 

“Somali community members in the UK are praise  worthy for the high level reception of their brothers” he said.

He also thanked the UK government, the Olympic committee and people of UK for the good organization and hosting this big global event.