Katara - Cultural Village marked an exceptional Qatar National Sport Day (QNSD) Tuesday, with various activities and events organised in collaboration with various ministries, governmental bodies, federations, sports clubs, and health and medical centres, and with wide participation from the public of different ages and walks of life.
Salem Mabkhout al-Marri, director of Public Relations and Communications at Katara, said: "Katara was keen to offer diverse activities that cater to all age groups, preferences, and interests. There were various types of games, sports activities, and physical exercises involving participation from various Qatari ministries, sports federations and medical centres."
He further stressed the significant importance of sports in building the individual mentally, spiritually, and physically, highlighting its role in spreading awareness, fostering unity, harmony and closeness among people, and promoting values of tolerance, love and mutual respect.
Throughout the day, the waterfront, Al Hekma Square, and Katara hills and gardens saw a high turnout of visitors who engaged in fitness and sports activities, and expressing their joy at Katara's efforts.
Health and sports centres played a prominent role in Katara's QNSD activities by providing various awareness consultations, health screenings and medical examinations. There were individual and group sports, such as those presented by Al-Emadi Hospital, which offered various vital medical examinations alongside introducing its weight loss programme.
Talila Thani al-Kuwari, director of Student Life at Lusail University, said: "Lusail University participated in Qatar National Sport Day 2024 organised by Katara. The event hosted many students, faculty members, staff, and their families, featuring various sports activities, including padel and tennis tournaments. Such an experience was enjoyable for everyone, especially the outdoor activities."
Regarding the participation of Hamad Medical Corporation, Mahmoud Younis, assistant director of Health Promotion and Community Engagement with Hamad International Training Center, said: "For the fifth consecutive year, we participate in the Qatar National Sport Day at Katara with various sports and awareness activities.
"This year, we contributed to the 'Healthy Heart for All' campaign, offering screenings for diabetes, blood pressure, and body mass index, along with some sports activities and general education on cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We also provided sports games for both adults and children, with various health sections participating, including smoking cessation and diabetes education from Hamad General Hospital, as well as the “Are you OK?' mental health campaign."
Qatar Chess Association also organised several events and competitions at Katara, with participation from various age groups. The events included an open jigsaw puzzle championship and a blitz chess tournament with 80 participants and a time limit of 3.2 minutes per player for each round.
Further, Katara Publishing House organised several activities such as drawing workshops for children, in addition to book and games displays.
