Huge Turnout for Ali Abucar Ali Candle-lit Vigil
People from across the local community assemble to mourn his passing
Balloons released at vigil in memory of Ali Abucar Ali
The vigil organised by local residents and friends of Ali Abucar Ali’s family saw a huge turnout last Saturday (20 November) with people from all sections of the local community assembling.
The candle-lit vigil started at 5pm in Carville Hall Car Park with a minute’s silence for the man who intervened to protect a great great grandmother from a man with a knife. This was followed by a minute’s applause and the release of balloons with many of those attending bringing their own balloons to fill the sky.
Local ward councillor Guy Lambert said, “It’s a very sad event but good to see that there are a lot of people there from all walks of life, It is moving, and I’m proud to be part of this community, for all its imperfections.”
Further plans to honour Ali’s memory are in place with the Chiswick Gators Basketball Club planning to name their camps after him and Chiswick School, which Ali attended before going onto Kingston University to study accountancy, intending to name one of their school sports day awards after him. The school also plans to unveil a plaque in their sports hall and a mural will be put up in the school canteen to celebrate Ali’s life.
Ali Abucar Ali (left) with Michael Kwentoh of Chiswick Gators. Picture: Chiswick Gators
His fellow coach at Chiswick Gators Basketball club, Michael Kwentoh, who knew Ali for 12 years, told The Voice magazine, "There's never been a person I've met in my life who has been more committed, caring and responsible than Ali.
"If it wasn't for Ali, we wouldn't have a club.
"He never turned his back on it. He was so dedicated to working with kids because he had the same passion.
"He took jobs working nights in a factory just so he could keep up the coaching."
Mr Kwentoh added that while studying for his GCSEs, Ali continued to study for his coaching badges and eventually became a fully-fledged basketball coach and was responsible for running the sessions for primary school children
The club plan to give out the Ali Abucar Ali Award, which will be given out at the end of every season at the club.
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November 26, 2021
