The seventh edition of the special day, which has been emulated across the region since its introduction by Qatar in 2012, will see exciting sporting activities offered for all ages and abilities at the stunning Aspire Park, with the public encouraged to try new sports or pick up old ones.
On offer will include activities ranging from basketball, gymnastics and athletics to taekwondo and weightlifting with the public simply needing to turn up at Aspire Park between 8:30am and 4pm on the day to get involved.
“We can’t wait for National Sport Day. This year promises to be bigger and better than ever with 12 federations organising activities that will give everyone the opportunity to have a go at sport. When we say everyone we really do mean it! This is a day for all ages, all abilities and all our people to come together and enjoy the thrill of being active,” QOC secretary-general Jassim al-Buenain said.
“Whilst festivities like this are rooted in a desire to provide a fun and informal environment for all those who want to take part, they are also extremely important if we are to nurture our next generation of superstars. That’s why this year we will also be joined by Team Qatar’s very best athletes who will show the way and support everyone who puts their hand up to give a sport a go,” he added.
Aspire Park has been one of the main NSD venues since the initiative started and has held numerous public, private entities and international events since its conception. In partnership, Aspire is providing the needed space for the National Federations to exhibit their activities on NSD, which is integral to the smooth running of the day.
The 14 National Federations to form the Team Qatar Sport Village include Gymnastics, Athletics, Weightlifting, Basketball, Judo/Taekwondo, Hockey, Tennis, Sailing, Fencing, Boxing/Wrestling, Golf, Table Tennis, Volleyball and School Sports. All federations will be organising taster sessions and demonstrations, providing an opportunity for the public to be active and discover hidden talents.
Doha is strengthening its status as a global sports hub year-upon-year. It is hosting the 11th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup next month, leading up to the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships later in October this year. The Gymnastics federation will make a bid to inspire more young people to get excited and inspired by the sport. Team Qatar’s Ahmed Nabil will be on hand to meet the public and share his experiences.
Other National federations will also be holding activities across Qatar on the special day. The public can try out shooting at an open day at Lusail Shooting Range, golf activities at Katara, along with handball, equestrian, rowing, cycling, triathlon, air sports, karate and rugby activities. A swimming open day will take place at Hamad Aquatic Centre, while Qatar Women’s Sport Committee will hold its activities at its premises in Al Waab.
Qatar is one of the only countries in the world to dedicate a public holiday to sport and the number of people that turned up to join in activities in the past years show how it continues to be a huge success.
