Doha, February 14 (QNA) – State institutions participated in the 12th edition of the National Sport Day (NSD) activities held under the slogan “The Choice is Yours”.
The NSD, which is held annually on Tuesdays of the second week of February, in response to Amiri Decision No. 80 of 2011, sees ministries and other government agencies, public bodies and institutions organizing sporting events in which workers and their families participate, to achieve awareness of the importance of sport and its role in the lives of individuals and societies, and to make it a lifestyle that is practiced throughout the year, as sport contributes to the development of life skills with its cultural and social dimensions.
Among the most prominent bodies that participated today in these events are the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Social Development and Family, and the National Service Academy, with joint activities organized at the headquarters of the National Service Academy (Miqdam Camp), in the presence of HE Minister of Justice Masoud bin Mohammed Al Ameri, and HE Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Staff Lieutenant General (Pilot) Salem bin Hamad bin Aqeel Al Nabit amid the wide participation of employees of the participating authorities and their affiliated centers.
HE Minister of Justice said that this year’s NSD carries deep meanings and connotations that reflect the wise forward-looking vision of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, when His Highness issued Amiri Decision No. 80 of 2011, to make Tuesdays of the second week of February of each year a sport day for the state, eplaining that participation in the NSD comes after the country’s historic and exceptional hosting of the first-ever World Cup in the region and the Arab world, which embodies the ambitious goals of the Amiri decision to organize the country’s NSD.
The participating bodies held joint sports activities, especially establishing a healthy weight-measuring corner, and providing health and nutritional advice to the participants provided by specialists in the field of nutritional health, in addition to organizing large-scale sports competitions, which included walking, football games, tug-of-war, table tennis, and athletics that won the admiration of the audience.
The activities witnessed the embodiment of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s rational vision to build the country and the citizen, and implement national development plans on sound and balanced bases, as sport is one of the main pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030, which is a distinct and unique vision in its representations and reflections.
HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s rational vision reflects the leadership’s interest in building the Qatari citizens, taking care of their health and developing them intellectually, mentally and healthily, and establishing an integrated sports infrastructure to serve the community, and strengthening the country’s position globally, which was crowned by the impressive success of the state’s organization of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
The joint activities of the Ministry of Social Development and Family, the Ministry of Justice, the National Service Academy and their affiliated centers were held at the headquarters of the National Service Academy for its integrated sports structure that targets all age groups of employees and their families, and various groups of society, including the elderly and people with special needs to embody the NSD’s objectives.
HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi said that all kinds of sports have many benefits for every human, including physical, psychological, and mental health.
In a press statement on the occasion of NSD, Her Excellency noted that sport plays a vital role in developing students’ characteristics and skills, such as perseverance, flexibility, and discipline, calling on student children to make sport an integral part of their daily lives for its positive impact on their health, life, and social skills in the short and long term.
The Ministry of Education and Higher Education organized several different sports activities in the Old Doha Port Park, with the participation of HE the Minister, officials of the Ministry, schools, students and their parents, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, from different ages and groups of Qatari society.
HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education honored the winners of various sports competitions and activities from students and schools of all educational levels, which were organized by the ministry for the NSD.
HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi stressed the NSD importance in the life of society, calling for making sports activities of all kinds daily practices for their physical, mental, health, and psychological benefits, especially for student children.
In remarks to reporters on the occasion of the Ministry’s participation in the NSD activities, Al Nuaimi said that the Ministry attaches great importance to sports activities as an important part of a student’s life, adding that the education sector provides the students with science, information, and knowledge and also must provide them with sports activities because physical activity is vital for a healthy life.
The General Retirement and Social Insurance Authority (GRSIA), in cooperation with the United Development Company, participated in the 2023 NSD sporting events, which were Tuesday in the Pearl district, in an initiative targeting the GRSIA staff and their families, as well as the residents and visitors of Pearl island.
The events included a walking marathon, fitness exercises, and challenging games, in addition to some fun activities for children, and other activities aimed at promoting the healthy patterns of the participants, and urging them to adopt sound sports practices.
President of the General Retirement and Social Insurance Authority Turki bin Mohammed Al Khater said that sport is an essential pillar for positively developing the human being, adding that NSD is an opportunity to consolidate these cultures in society and develop an awareness of the concept of preventive health.
He called on everyone to make sport a way of life and not a passing annual event to build a society full of vitality and activity and consolidate a generation capable of continuing the path of success that the country is witnessing at all levels to serve its development strategies and visions for sustainable development.
In turn, the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) organized various activities on the occasion of National Sport Day (NSD), along the waterfront and Katara Beach, with the wide participation of several ministries, government and private agencies and institutions, and a wide public attendance.
Among the most prominent entities that participated in these events were the Qatar Football Association (QFA) in cooperation with Qatar Shell, the Qatar Rugby and Hockey Committee, Hamad Medical Corporation, the Ministry of Sports and Youth’s Al Reyada Girls Center, Doha Bank and Qatar Insurance Company.
Organizing Committee Chair for NSD activities in Katara Abdul Rahman bin Jassim Al Tamimi said in a press statement that Katara has become a favorite destination for sports enthusiasts on NSD, especially for families, for both citizens and multinational residents, explaining that this is due to Katara’s multitude of facilities, vast spaces, as well as its waterfront and beach allowing for all kinds of sports in a beautiful family atmosphere, stressing the organizing committees keenness on good organization, and providing comprehensive services to the public such as providing transport vehicles for visitors, especially for the elderly and people with special needs, in addition to providing security, health and safety services.
Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Katara’s information director Salem Al Marri said that Katara becomes a distinguished destination on such occasions, due to its facilities and services, adding that Katara aims every year to bring something new, such as this years events which include innovative sports activities and new participating entities, working in sports, awareness, or entertainment, making Katara’s program on the NSD a comprehensive one.
Al Marri thanked the public who attend NSD activities and events year after year and remarked that more than 20 governmental, sports and private agencies took part, including a number of ministries, official bodies, sports federations, and health centers, in addition to private companies.
In addition, QFA, in cooperation with Qatar Shell, set up a variety of sporting games, activities and events for the family in Katara, in addition to games suitable for people with special needs, in addition to setting football fields, together with a theater.
The activities organized by QFA and Qatar Shell aimed at raising community awareness of the importance of physical activity and a healthy lifestyle, especially in the country’s NSD.
In this context, QFA Marketing and Communication Director Khalid Mubarak Al Kuwari said in a statement to QNA that QFA is keen to participate in the activities of the NSD, with the aim of motivating employees and the public to practice physical activity and maintain their health and fitness, indicating that QFA’s organizing NSD activities come to promote a culture of sports for all.
In turn, the Qatar Women’s Sports Committee, headed by Lolwa Al Marri organized several activities and events on the occasion of the NSD, amidst large participation of members and players of national teams and families who were keen to enjoy practicing sports in a family atmosphere and to benefit from the modern sports facilities in the hall.
Sports activities varied between football, volleyball, gymnastics, volleyball, athletics, recreational games for youngsters, walking, and others.
Qatar Women’s Sport Committee President expressed her happiness at the success of the Qatar Women’s Sport Committee’s participation in the NSD, saying that the Committee is an integral part of the state’s social fabric since women make up half of society and are also interested in sports and a healthy lifestyle, indicating that NSD aims to achieve a series of goals, most notably raising awareness, promoting and consolidating a culture of sports.
Qatar Career Development Center (QCDC), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, participated in the NSD activities organized by the QF in Education City.
The QF revived the activities of this day to encourage individuals of all ages and abilities to adopt an active and healthy lifestyle. The QCDC took advantage of this occasion to present a number of interesting and appropriate physical and mental activities for children of all ages, during which they learned a number of skills, such as teamwork and interaction with their peers, and the importance of a healthy life and its positive repercussions on the individual’s professional future.
In an exclusive statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on this occasion, Director of the QCDC Abdullah Al Mansoori stressed that the NSD is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the importance of sport and healthy life, pointing out that sport is able to bring people together, break barriers, and develop feelings of belonging to the community.
Sport is a tool for building bridges and establishing relationships, and enhancing the spirit of teamwork, and includes valuable skills in the workplace and during a persons career as well, he said, expressing his hope that the QCDC will be a source of inspiration in the education process about the importance of preserving their physical health by adopting a healthy lifestyle, not just for one day a year, but for a lifetime.
He indicated that the center’s participation in this year’s NSD activities reflects the QF’s efforts to build an active and healthy society, and its constant endeavor to encourage individuals to make healthy life decisions, and to include physical activity in their daily lives, as the QF occupies a leading position in raising awareness of the importance of sports and physical activity as part of its mission in community development, spreading health culture and values of social responsibility.
Qatar International Islamic Bank (QIIB) participated in this year’s NSD activities through a range of activities, which reflect its commitment to support sports and the efforts made to transform it into a way of life, in line with Doha’s transformation into a capital of global sports.
A large number of the bank’s employees were keen to participate in the activities announced by the Qatar Central Bank, which included a bicycle parade on Doha Corniche, and a number of other sporting events in Souq Waqif Park, including football, volleyball, tennis, and tug-of-war.
On this occasion, CEO of Qatar International Islamic Bank Abdulbasit Ahmed Al Shaibei said that this year’s NSD comes with a different flavor, after the great success achieved by the State of Qatar in hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, a success that was based on HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s vision, guidance and unlimited support.
The success achieved by the State of Qatar at all levels in organizing the World Cup will remain a great legacy from which the future generations draw pride, lessons, determination and self-affirmation, and provide their best for the sake of the advancement of Qatar and its people, he said, highlighting that the State of Qatar has turned into a global sports destination for all from worldwide, and in various sports.
Qatar’s successes and organizational and sports capabilities have been proven, and its facilities that follow sports standards, and comply with sustainability standards are examples of development, he added.
Al Shaibei explained that QIIB is always keen, based on its strategy in the field of social responsibility and community service, to be in harmony with community activities that provide added value, foremost of which are various sports activities that represent and provide great positive values for the individual and society, such as cooperation, determination, pride, determination, tolerance, empathy, increased productivity, and much more.
He highlighted that the Qatar National Vision 2030 laid down the basic principles for what we find today in terms of the prosperity of sports in the country. The main goal of the Qatar National Vision 2030 is the human being, and achieving his aspirations and needs according to the best standards and principles, Al Shaibei added, highlighting that the presence of a successful, productive, healthy and fit person means building a strong and cohesive society capable of giving, building and developing the country.
The Public Works Authority (Ashghal), in cooperation with the Qatar Basketball Federation, also participated in the 2023 NSD activities at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center Park, by organizing a number of sports and recreational activities for the parks visitors, its employees and their families.
On this occasion, HE Chairman of the Public Works Authority Dr. Saad bin Ahmed Al Muhannadi, confirmed that Ashghal’s participation in the NSD is not limited to organizing sports and entertainment activities only, but rather goes beyond that by providing an integrated infrastructure that helps the masses to practice sports throughout the year, noting the set up of many parks that have various sports facilities, including game areas, sports equipment, pedestrian, running and cycling paths, in addition to constructing 2,131 km of pedestrian and bicycle paths across the country, which have contributed to changing the lifestyle in Qatar.
For his part, Public Relations & Communications Dept. Manager Abdulla Saad Al Saad, said that Ashghal participates in the NSD by organizing various activities at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center park, such as basketball and cycling, in addition to walking, in addition to providing two playgrounds for Padel for adults and one for children, as well as a number of fitness equipment, with reference to the creation of a play area for children to spend quality time with their parents.
Al Saad thanked the Qatar Basketball Association for its constant cooperation with Ashghal in all sporting events, and for the success of Ashghal’s participation in the country’s NSD.
President of Qatar Basketball Federation Mohammed Saad Almeghaiseeb expressed his happiness in cooperating with Ashghal in all the sporting events it organizes or participates in, praising the good organization of the 2023 NSD activities.
On the sideline of QNSD2023 , the winners of ‘Inta Gadha’ competition launched annually by the Public Relations and Comunication Department among employees, have been honored with the aim of raising fitness level and reaching ideal weight.
The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) organized a number of events in Katara on the occasion of the NSD, with the participation of a large number of agency employees, their families and the general public.
In this regard, HE NCSA Chairman Eng. Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Farahid Al Malki expressed his happiness for NSD, pointing out that the fact that the NSD was set in the first place, reflects the wise leadership’s belief in the centrality of sport in forming a healthy society capable of excellence, in achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030.
His Excellency pointed out that this important occasion marked the State of Qatar as a sporting center regionally and globally, indicating that this year’s NSD is different, following Qatar’s hosting of an exceptional edition of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
His Excellency affirmed the NCSA’s commitment to sports, consolidating a culture of teamwork, and enhancing the spirit of cooperation, manifested in the various activities organized today.
NCSA’s part taking in NSD is to encourage families and all segments of society and all age groups to play sports and practice physical activities all year round, as well as to inform of physical activity’s importance in daily life, in addition to promoting the values of cooperation and participation in a family-friendly and fun setting.
For its part, Qatar University (QU) organized NSD activities on campus, in the presence of a number of officials, faculty members, university students, and community members. HE QU President Dr. Hassan Al Derham said on this occasion that the NSD has become a national occasion and a yearly reminder of physical activity’s significance in establishing a healthy individual and society and in countries’ development, progress, and prosperity, and the need to benefit from the state’s sports achievements over the past years, pointing out that what distinguishes this year’s NSD, is that it comes less than two months after the resounding success of Qatar hosting the world’s largest sporting event: the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, a first timer for the Arab region and the Middle East, hosting an exceptional edition which adhered to national values, principles and constants, and proved that Qatar is a leader in event organizing.
For its part, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) organized an array of activities on the occasion of the NSD for transport sector employees and their families, held at the Al Sa’ad Square in Lusail. Among the transport sector companies participating in the NSD activities were: Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA), Qatar Aeronautical Academy, Mwani Qatar, the Hamad Port project committee, Milaha, QTerminals, Qatar Rail, and Mowasalat (Karwa).
On this occasion, HE Minister of Transport Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti said that the NSD reflects the vision of the wise leadership of the importance of sport as a form of investment in human beings and constructing a healthy and productive society, capable of contributing effectively to the comprehensive development of the country, expressing his joy that the state Qatar is now a global role model for the interest in sports, and for its exceptional success in organizing the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, confirming its innovative and creative initiatives in the sports domain, which reflects its global standing.
His Excellency added that the Ministry is keen to participate in the NSD with the competent authorities in the transportation sector, to raise awareness of physical activity, sports and their prominent role in society’s development, supporting and encouraging all members of society to adopt an active and healthy lifestyle.
On this occasion, HE Director General of Qatar Aeronautical Academy Sheikh Jabor bin Hamad Al-Thani said that the generous initiative of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to hold the NSD to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030, reflects the extent of the interest the state invests in the human being, who is the basic element to development, indicating that the main objective of the NSD is to promote sports, raise the community’s health awareness, and educate citizens and residents on using physical activity to reduce physical and psychological health risks.
In addition, Acting Director of Civil Aviation Authority Mohammed Faleh Al Hajri said that the NSD carries an important message that reflects Qatar’s interest in sports and enhancing its role in the lives of individuals, to construct a Qatari society that is strong and healthy, adding that this day embodies the keenness of the wise leadership to establish the concept of sport as a societal culture and to consolidate this culture and make it part of our daily life, which is in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030, where sound investment in the human element is one of the four pillars for this vision.
Al Hajri said that over the many years, he has witnessed the great interest that the State of Qatar attaches to the sports sector, which was embodied in devoting an annual day to it, with Qatar being the first in the world to launch such a unique initiative.
In a related context, CEO of Qatar Ports Management Co. (Mwani Qatar) Captain Abdullah Mohammed Al Khanji said that this year’s NSD comes as a culmination of the impressive success achieved by the State of Qatar in hosting FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which put the country in the global spotlight, showed the rational leadership’s insightful vision, and contributed to spreading the culture of practicing sports to build a healthy society capable of building and giving. Al Khanji added that Mwani Qatar’s participation in the country’s NSD, along with the transportation sector system, stems from its keenness to raise awareness of practicing sports and encourage people to engage in physical activity, in a way that enhances fitness, teamwork and sportsmanship among employees and their families on the one hand, and members of society on their hand.
For his part, CEO of Mowasalat Company (Karwa) Fahad Saad Al Qahtani stressed that the State of Qatar, with direct support and guidance from its wise leadership, always encouraged the practice of sports in view of its importance and its role as a pillar for investment in human capital, indicating that the activities of this day are considered a primary motive in raising awareness of the importance of sport in the lives of individuals and society.
Karwa is pleased to participate in the NSD activities organized by the Ministry of Transportation, which includes activities for employees and their families, and aims to encourage a healthy and balanced lifestyle, which will reflect positively on employees, increase productivity, and enhance efforts toward achieving the Qatar National Vision 2023, he said. CEO of QTerminals Group Neville Bissett expressed his happiness with the group’s participation in the NSD activities in support of the Qatar National Vision 2030, especially with this day contributing to creating awareness among members of society about the importance of sport and its health benefits, encouraging them to follow healthy lifestyles, and paying attention to physical fitness, as well as its role in building a person and its impact on all areas of life. In a related context, Hamad Port Project Executive Director Eng. Nabil Mohammed Al Khaldi confirmed that there is an increase year after year in the number of participants in the NSD activities.
The project is proud of participation under the umbrella of the Ministry of Transportation, to consolidate the importance of sport, and raise the spirit of participation and interdependence between workers and their families, as much as the sport is a way of life to build a healthy society of all ages and nationalities, Al Khaldi said. Chief of Corporate Support at Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) Khalifa Hassan Al Jehani stated that the company is happy to participate under the umbrella of the Ministry of Transportation in the activities of this occasion, which proves year after year the importance of its role and impact in raising and enhancing awareness of the importance of sport in the lives of individuals and the community, in addition to encouraging them to practice its various activities throughout the year.
Based on the goals included in the human development pillar of the Qatar National Vision 2030, and as a commitment to social responsibility towards its workforce, Qatar Rail launched several initiatives, such as health at work, and held periodic sporting events, as the company is keen to encourage all its employees to practice sports by spreading awareness of its importance and its impact on changing the social, psychological and physical lives of individuals for the better, Al Jehani added. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in cooperation with the Qatar Shooting and Archery Association (QSAA), organized several sporting and entertainment events and activities, at the Lusail Shooting Complex.
HE Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al-Thani expressed his happiness at participating in the activities, pointing out that this national occasion established the leading position of the State of Qatar as a destination for sporting events in the region and the world, which is evident in its hosting of world sports championships over the years and its success in organizing the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
His Excellency stressed that the State’s NSD translates the vision of the wise leadership in building the human being and society, as this day reflects the status of sport as part of the culture of society, pointing to the Ministry’s keenness to enhance awareness of its importance and its prominent role in the renaissance and development of societies, and to build human capacities to be an active part in the development process to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030.
The events organized by the Ministry included various sports activities such as football and volleyball, various shooting competitions, movement activities, and physical fitness exercises, under the supervision of specialized trainers.
The Ministry also organized a number of competitive competitions for children, which included movement games such as running, jumping and hurdling. The Ministry’s employees attended a number of Qatar Open Shooting Championship competitions, organized by the QSAA, in conjunction with the country’s NSD, expressing their happiness at participating in the events organized by the Ministry, and stressing its role in strengthening the bonds of institutional affiliation and consolidating team values.
The Ministry of Interior participated in the NSD activities, in the presence of a number of officials and about 1,500 participants from its affiliates, as well as a number of students with disabilities.
The events, which were held at Qatar Sports Club and other locations, included many sports such as volleyball, rowing, walking, stationary bicycles, archery, land rowing and endurance games.
A number of directors of the Ministry of Interior stressed that the State of Qatar is now a pioneer in the field of sports, and one of the first countries to devote a day to sports based on the belief in the importance of sports activities in building healthy and sound societies that are capable of production, creativity and contribution to the development process.
The Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) witnessed an exceptional and distinguished sports day, in which 20 parties participated, ranging from ministries, government agencies, federations, sports clubs, and health and food institutions. The activities covered different groups and ages, to practice various types of sports, fitness exercises and motor activities.
On this occasion, General Manager of the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, said that it is no secret that the NSD became a fixed date for sports and health education since the state set it in 2011 to be held annually on Tuesdays of the second week of February.
The NSD encourages all to participate in sporting activities with family members and colleagues, he added, indicating that Katara, as one of the state’s institutions, is keen to participate in this day with a rich and integrated program that is suitable for various sports.
At the same time, it accommodates the activities and events of the various institutions and ministries that are keen to present them in Katara, benefiting from the diversity of the cultural village facilities that are suitable for various sports activities, in addition to the ability of the cultural village to attract wide segments of the public. For his part, Head of the Organizing Committee for NSD activities in Katara Abdul Rahman bin Jassim Al Tamimi said that the Katara program for this day included more than 20 main activities from which various activities branch out, in which a number of government and private agencies and a number of sports federations participate.
He added that many parties provide gifts, which increases the atmosphere of enthusiasm to practice various activities, stressing that Katara is keen every year to present a variety of activities that meet the aspirations of the public. On the other hand, Assistant Director for Health Planning and Community Engagement at Hamad Medical Corporation, Dr. Mahmoud Younes, explained that the institution is participating this year in several campaigns, including those affiliated with Hamad International Center, and others affiliated with other departments, including a campaign that provides training on cardiopulmonary resuscitation exercises, in addition to conducting examinations to detect early heart diseases such as cholesterol, glucose, pressure, and body mass index diseases.
There are other campaigns such as “With You” for mental health, in which exercises for better mental health, and games for children and adults are offered. Younes highlighted campaigns to raise awareness on dental health and smoking risks as well as elevating health education for diabetics, stressing the importance of participating in community events, especially on the NSD. Director of Marketing and Communications at Msheireb Properties Hafez Ali confirmed that participation in the NSD activities held in Msheireb is in line with the company’s vision and mission to promote a healthy and proper lifestyle, which is in line with the country’s vision in this field.
Speaking with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Ali said that the events come to support Qatar’s efforts in spreading the culture of sports and encouraging individuals to follow a healthy and active lifestyle, pointing out that the events held in Msheireb are diverse and respond to the various society segments that chose to practice sports in the various available spaces.
The activities included football, basketball, badminton, fitness and table tennis, in addition to various video games. There are also designated spaces for young people in which recreational activities are held, including face painting, balloon design, and more. Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) participated in the NSD activities by providing a range of various activities for the bank’s employees and customers, to contribute to adopting a healthy lifestyle. Assistant General Manager for Communications and Quality Assurance, Mashaal Abdulaziz Al Derham, said that The QIB is pleased to celebrate this NSD with its employees and customers and to spread awareness about the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle and its role in community development.
The QIB is pleased to see the wide turnout for participation in its competitions on social media platforms, and the great enthusiasm shown by its employees in this event, she added, highlighting the occasion as an important national one that carries a positive message for the people of the State of Qatar to be more aware of their physical and mental health.
The QIB’s executive employees also participated in the Qatar Central Bank’s activities to mark the NSD, which included activities such as cycling, football, volleyball, tennis, table football, and tug of war. In line with its efforts and commitment to sports participation with the community, and to encourage a healthy lifestyle, the QIB donated more than 6,000 soccer balls to many schools and institutions, which were used to form the largest Qatar flag composed of soccer balls in the world to enter the Guinness Book of Records.
HE Minister of Social Development and Family Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad stressed the importance of sports in strengthening social and family coherence and accepting one another.
In a press statement marking the NSD, Her Excellency said that sports are capable gather families within the same society and throughout different societies. In addition, sports have a significant role in strengthening social and family coherence and accepting one another. Her Excellency stressed the importance of sports in promoting physical and mental health and providing a gathering platform for people of different group ages in a supportive, friendly, and harmonious atmosphere, and that families should invest in sports throughout the whole year to strengthen their family rapprochement. Her Excellency pointed out that active participation in sports activities indication of a safe society that follows healthy family patterns, pointing out the importance of working toward establishing a society where every individual has the chance to practice sports and entertainment and follows an active lifestyle. For its part, the Ministry of Labor organized various activities and events marking the NSD at Aspire Park with the participation of the Ministry’s employees and their families. In a press statement marking the occasion, HE Minister of Labor Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri stressed the importance of that day, highlighting the role sports play in consolidating values and promoting community development. His Excellency said that because of NSD and all the country segments’ keenness to participate in it, sports became a healthy lifestyle that reminds people of the importance of practicing it and its significance for human life. NSD is an occasion that consolidated the leading status of the State of Qatar as a destination for sporting events in the region and the whole world. A leading status that made it possible to accomplish the huge achievement of hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which everyone described as one of the most successful international tournaments.
This emphasizes the effective vision of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, who directed that sports be an essential part of the system for the advancement of society and promoting the individuals’ physical and mental capabilities in harmony with Qatar National Vision 2030. His Excellency indicated that the Ministry of Labor pays special attention to sports inside workers’ facilities and accommodations, in addition to the Ministry’s efforts in the continuous awareness of the importance of practicing sports in partnership with joint labor committees, as sports have a direct impact on promoting the community’s health. His Excellency added that the huge annual participation in NSD promotes the values of sports regarding discipline, mutual respect, sportsmanship, and group work, as well as contributes to integrating societal groups and raises individuals’ awareness of the needed values for social peace. This year, the Ministry organized various sports activities and events to encourage the various segments of society to practice sports and physical activities and to raise their awareness of the importance of sports.
These activities and events included recreational activities competitions and sports games such as football, handball, foot bowling, table tennis, and long jump. The Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), and Naufar Center marked the NSD by organizing a walking activity with the participation of several health sector officials and employees at Hamad bin Khalifa Medical City, as well as holding various sports, recreational, awareness activities for the employees and their families. HE Minister of Public Health Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari stressed the significance of the NSD in raising social awareness of the importance of sports and its role in promoting health, which shows the special concern of the wise leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in the population’s health and well-being. Her Excellency pointed out that the theme of this year’s NSD “Choice is Yours” embodies the significance of involving community members in maintaining their health by adopting healthy lifestyles and practicing sports on daily basis.
This year’s NSD focuses on sports’ sustainable impact on human life, especially elders, enabling them the required knowledge to manage and promote their physical and mental health and increase their active lifetime, which supports the country’s health programs and strategies for achieving a healthy future for the population. HE Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari said that the concerted efforts of all parties of the country and the community in celebrating the NSD, for more than ten years, contributed effectively to intensifying the awareness of practicing sports among community members for a healthy long life. Her Excellency noted that this year’s NSD is remarkable as all municipalities of Qatar were granted the “Healthy City” award from the World Health Organization (WHO), making Qatar the first country in the world to obtain this title for all its municipalities.
Healthy cities provide sustainable options to achieve the Qatar National Vision 2023 and encourage all members of society to practice healthy lifestyles and physical exercises in a healthy environment. Marking the NSD, the Ministry and PHCC organizations organized various activities for the employees and their families, which included a running competition, fitness activities for adults and children, team matches, and many other activities. Participants received awareness raising on means of protection against health risks of a sedentary lifestyle, such as heart diseases, diabetes, obesity, and cancer, which came within the well-being and wellness program for its employees, which is an initiative of human resources departments in the public health sector. Health and physical fitness benefits in people’s lives – on both professional and personal levels – were also emphasized.
The Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Sports and Youth participated in organizing activities for elders at Aspire Park to promote healthy lifestyle patterns through varied and innovative exercises. For its part, the Public Prosecution participated in the activities of the NSD through various activities at Al Duhail SC, in the presence of HE Attorney General Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi, a number of Deputy Attorney Generals, directors of departments, and employees. The activities included physical fitness exercises, running competitions, football, and several other competitions that started in early morning in an entertaining and existing atmosphere.
The Public Prosecution stressed that participating in the NSD is an opportunity to consolidate humane relations among employees, to encourage everyone from different age groups to practice various sporting activities, and a chance to change their lifestyle, making sports a daily habit, which will contribute to achieving Qatar National Vision 2030 in maintaining population’s healthy long life.
The Ministry of Municipality held the Sports Day event in Umm Al Seneem Park in Al Rayyan Municipality, in the presence and participation of HE Minister of Municipality Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaei, and a number of ministry officials, including assistant undersecretaries, directors of municipalities and departments, and a number of employees and the public from the area’s residents.
HE the Minister along with the Ministry’s officials practiced walking in the distinctive path in the garden, which is the longest air-conditioned outdoor path that entered the Guinness Book of Records, with a length of 1130 meters. They also participated in some sports and fitness activities that were provided in the park in cooperation and coordination with a number of concerned authorities, and they also conducted some health checks and measurements. Participants toured the pavilion of the Horticultural Expo 2023 in Doha, which was held in the garden, to introduce visitors to this important international exhibition, which will be hosted by the State of Qatar from October 2023 to March 2024.
The Sports Day event was organized with the participation of a number of entities such as the Qatar Sports for All Federation, the Primary Health Care Corporation of Hamad Medical Corporation, Weill Cornell Medicine, and the Marble Medical Center. The Ministry of Municipality’s Public Parks Department has prepared more than (100) parks nationwide to receive the public on Sports Day to practice various types of activities and sports, such as: football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, table tennis and chess, as well as fitness equipment, gyms, running and walking tracks, bicycles, and more. These facilities and sports equipment are distributed over all eight municipalities, and these parks include: 30 parks with playgrounds (football – basketball – volleyball – tennis), and among them: Al Khor Park, Al Rayyan New Park (the green carpet), Al Waab Park, Al Jubailat Park, New Onaiza Park, Al Ghasham Park in Al Wakrah, North Park for Families, Al Thumama South Park, Legtaifiya Park.
The Public Parks Department, has also established many public parks that contain playgrounds for people with special needs, where a number of games designed to suit people with disabilities have been installed with the aim of integrating them and involving them in all community, educational, recreational and sports activities, this is within the framework of the Ministry of Municipality’s interest in public service facilities in residential areas. In turn, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in the presence of HE Minister of Communication and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, organized a various sporting event with the participation of many entities working in the communications and information technology sector in the Southern Crescent Park in Lusail on the occasion of the National Sports Day. The event witnessed a wide participation of major companies in the communications and information technology sector such as (CRA, Ooredoo, Vodafone Qatar, Microsoft, Huawei, Google Cloud), Qatar National Broadband Network Company, Malomatia, Meeza, and Qatar Satellite Company, Es’hailSat On this occasion, HE Minister of Communication and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, stressed that sport plays a vital role in promoting physical and mental health, and that the National Sports Day is a unique opportunity to promote healthy lifestyles for all ages in the country. The event included a variety of sports and recreational activities, running, cycling and other team sports, while the participants experienced many sports activities supported by modern digital technologies.
For its part, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change held many sporting events and physical fitness activities, on the occasion of the National Sports Day at the Qatar Shooting and Archery Association in Lusail, in the presence of HE Sheikh Dr. Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed bin Ali Al-Thani Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and all officials of sectors and departments in the ministry. The events witnessed the holding of many sports practices, such as walking and shooting with rifles, pistols and archery, as well as a football match, in the presence of all employees of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and a number of citizens and their families. HE Minister of Environment and Climate Change Sheikh Dr. Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed bin Ali Al-Thani honored a number of participants in sporting events and winners of some competitions that were organized during the Sports Day. His Excellency stressed the importance of sport in the lives of societies and individuals, and its important role in building nations and the civilization of countries, noting that strong, developed countries must possess healthy human elements. HE noted that the wise leadership in the State of Qatar was keen, from this standpoint, to allocate a day for sport every year, in recognition of the importance of the role of the human element in the development process.
The Community College also participated in the State’s Sports Day in Al Legtaifiya Park which turned into an open arena for practicing various types of sports, based on the college’s belief in the importance of exercising in promoting the health of the mind and body, and the need to make it a daily culture in our contemporary life. The event was attended by HE Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qatar University Sports Federation Dr. Ibrahim Al Nuaimi, members of the Federation Council, as well as the deans of the academic sectors of the Community College, and a large number of its affiliates. academics, administrators, and students. The event saw the organization of a group of sporting events, interactive activities, and entertainment competitions for students, employees and their families in a manner appropriate to all groups and ages and establishes the purpose of organizing the NSD by encouraging the practice of sports. On this occasion, President of the Community College of Qatar Dr. Khalid Mohamed Al Horr, stated that the NSD reflects the vision of the wise leadership in building a healthy human being and society, and he said that as the Community College of Qatar believe in the importance of science and its role in the renaissance and development of our society, we also believe in the importance of sports in the lives of our employees and students.
HE Minister of Sports and Youth Salah bin Ghanim Al Ali said that since early morning, the 12th edition of the NSD have seen wide participation from all segments of the society, expressing pleasure with the atmosphere in the vicinity of Aspire Zone and the great interaction with the activities organized by all different bodies and institutions. In remarks to QNA, His Excellency considered that the societal awareness of the importance of sport has significantly increased, emphasizing the importance of proper practice of sport in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health and also the Ministry of Development, referring to numerous programs that are being developed to suit all participants of all ages. “This is the day we encourage community sports,” he said. He added that the purpose of this day is to raise awareness among people in Qatar of the importance of sports, and to encourage its practice because of its physical and health benefits for individuals and societies, pointing that the slogan of the NSD this year (Choice is Yours) shows that sport is the right choice for healthy lifestyle.
The NSD clearly shows the importance of sports and its positive reflections on physical and mental health, he stressed. HE the Minister highlighted that sport has become a part of public life and a pillar of societal change, because it is a continuous expression of society’s awareness of its role in the health of bodies and minds at the same time, which is confirmed by the increase in the number of people practicing sports. Concluding his remarks, His Excellency emphasized the dedication of the principle of sport as a choice for the individuals to practice it with conviction and in the right ways.
Marking the 12th edition of Qatar Sport Day, Aspire Zone Foundation organized an array of sport competitions and activities, that saw the participation of a number of its officials and employees, emphasizing its tangible role in promoting the culture of sports through the wide variety of activities organized by its subsidiaries, Aspire Academy, Aspetar Hospital, and Aspire Logistics. The events were held on the foundation’s open grounds, which hosted many competitions in football, volleyball, skills shows, martial arts, stationary bikes, paddle, in addition to holding various sporting events in the vicinity of Al-Bayt Stadium in Al-Khor City, with the participation of several institutions.
In remarks to QNA, CEO of Aspire Zone Foundation Mohamed Khalifa Al Suwaidi said that awareness of practicing sports has risen in society, which is evidence that the NSD has made a quantum leap in the culture of sports for everyone living in Qatar and has achieved many of its goals, including spreading awareness of sports. “We at the Aspire Zone Foundation have been keen to organize many outdoor and indoor events to attract and young age groups in a professional manner with the aim of developing skills, in football as well as in other games that children care about,” Al Suwaidi said. He explained that the country’s sports institutions, led by the Aspire Zone Foundation, did not fail to perform their mission, and were able to accommodate the various requirements of the public, as they focused during this day mainly on activities aimed at promoting physical activity as a daily healthy behavior. “The bet on the Sports Day was appropriate and a unique idea. Awareness of practicing sports in general exceeded all expectations, and today Qatar is considered an example in community sports,” he stressed. Concluding his remarks, Al Suwaidi pointed out that the Aspire Zone Foundation has state of the art sports facilities and services, as it provides all the needs of athletes as well as of members of society, adding that the Foundation aims to continue with its mission and strengthen its partnership with the state to promote sports and community service.
For his part, CEO of Aspetar Sports Medicine Hospital Dr. Abdulaziz Jaham Al Kuwari praised the atmosphere that that prevailed in the NSD amidst great participation of all members of society and institutions, pointing to the remarkable interaction and great turnout from all segments of society. In a statement to QNA, Dr. Al Kuwari praised the investments made by the state in sports through establishing sports institutions and setting future plans, that made noticeable the high turnout of practicing many sports within society, adding that designating a sports day is a pioneering idea that indicates the State of Qatar’s attention to consolidating the concept of sport in society, to make it a culture and a way of life.
The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs also organized various sports activities within the framework of the activities of the NSD in Abu Hamour. HE Minister of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs, Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem Al Ghanem and a number of officials and department directors participated in some of these sporting activities, in addition to the participation of employees, imams and their children in the various sporting events. The activities included sports competitions in football, volleyball and babyfoot, a number of activities and exercises for running, fitness and cycling, as well as horse riding. The ministry’s participation in the activities of the sport day every year comes in line with Qatar Vision 2030.
The Qatar Central Bank also participated in the activities of the NSD, in the presence and participation of HE Governor of Qatar Central Bank Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al-Thani. The Bank’s celebration of the Sport Day witnessed the organization of a number of various sporting events and activities with the wide participation of the Bank’s employees and employees of the financial sector. The bank’s participation in this celebration comes from its belief in the importance of sports and sports activity.
The Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation also participated in the NSD activities by organizing a number of activities at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex on the sidelines of the Qatar TotalEnergies Open Championship, which is currently being held. The events included training sessions for children in tennis with the participation of the tournament stars led by the Russian ranked 11th in the world, Veronika Kudermetova, and the Qatari tennis player, Mubaraka Al Nuaimi. The federation also organized a large number of sports competitions in tennis, padel, squash, badminton and football, with the participation of a number of senior federation officials and a group of national team players and their parents, in addition to a number of federation employees and workers. For its part, the Qatar Amateur Radio Society launched a special station at its headquarters on the occasion of the country’s celebrations of the Sport Day for this year 2023, to highlight the importance of this national event over the air.
The Qatar Amateur Radio Society stated today that the launch of the station took place over three days, Feb. 12, 13, and 14, by alternating between amateurs in Qatar at intervals to contact radio amateurs from different countries of the world. The Qatar Amateur Radio Society participated with an international call sign (A71QSD), which symbolizes the country’s celebrations of Sport Day, and can be used for various means of communication. It is noteworthy that the Qatar Amateur Radio Society participates annually in national events by conducting international radio communications with various amateurs in the world to introduce this sporting occasion.
The Adviser to HE Minister of Sports and Youth, and Chairman of the NSD, Abdulrahman Musallam Al Dosari expressed his happiness at the growing awareness among members of society of the importance of participating in the Sport Day, which reflects the interest in sports and its role and importance in the lives of community members. Al Dosari said, in an exclusive statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), that the country’s sport day witnesses the participation of all groups of women and men, the elderly and people with special needs, and this event is a unique occasion in the world, through which Qatar has preserved the gains that have been achieved and demonstrated to the world that Qatar is the capital of sports. (QNA)