Ministries, government agencies, and public institutions participated yesterday in the 14th National Sport Day (NSD) events, in response to the Amiri Decision No. 80 of 2011, which designated the second Tuesday of February each year as the National Sport Day.
Ministries, government bodies, and public institutions organised sporting events with the participation of their employees and their families to promote awareness of the importance of sports and its role in the lives of individuals and communities.
The Ministry of Sports and Youth organised sports activities at Aspire Park, attended by HE the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports and Youth engineer Yasser bin Abdullah al-Jamal and Abdulrahman bin Musallam al-Dosari, the adviser to the minister of sports and youth and chairman of the National Sport Day Organising Committee.
The activities included competitions in football, volleyball, badminton, running, chess, tug-of-war, and various recreational games.
Participants of all ages also took part in a group walk across the green pathways of Aspire Park, with many enjoying an aerial show featuring the Qatari flag soaring in the sky.
Parachutists delivered breathtaking artistic performances.
Al-Dosari praised the large public turnout across all age groups in parks, public spaces, and sports venues, reflecting a growing awareness of the importance of sports.
He highlighted this year's theme of Never Too Late, which underscores the need to practice sports at any time, regardless of circumstances or commitments.
The official noted that distributing activities across different areas of the country serves to expand participation opportunities, making it easier for everyone to engage in sports within a family-friendly and motivating atmosphere.
Similarly, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) hosted sports and recreational activities, attended by HE the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie.
The events included walking and other sports activities at the Old Doha Port.
HE Dr al-Subaie stated that the NSD is an ideal opportunity to raise awareness about the connection between sports and environmental protection.
He emphasised that outdoor sports activities help promote sustainability and encourage individuals to adopt environmentally friendly practices.
The minister added that sports are not just a means to enhance physical and mental health but also an effective tool in supporting environmental efforts, by raising awareness about the importance of preserving green spaces and natural areas, which are integral to Qatar's National Vision 2030.
HE Dr al-Subaie underscored that sports activities held in islands and nature reserves highlight the significance of these locations and the need to protect them.
HE the Undersecretary of the MoECC engineer Abdulaziz bin Ahmad bin Abdullah al-Mahmoud stated that the NSD aligns with the country’s vision of promoting public health.
He highlighted the ministry’s efforts to integrate environmental values into sports activities by fostering a culture of environmental preservation alongside physical exercise.
The Public Prosecution also participated in this year’s NSD, fostering an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm, interaction, and team spirit among its members, reflecting the State's commitment to promoting sports and its significance.
Participants from the Public Prosecution emphasised the vital role of sports in improving public health and enhancing physical fitness.
They highlighted that such events help alleviate daily stress, positively impacting work performance and overall job quality.
The activities included fitness exercises such as warm-ups, running competitions, football matches, and other sporting events that brought together employees from different job levels in an energetic and engaging environment.
The Ministry of Labour organised a variety of sports activities and competitions at the Old Doha Port Park.
The activities were held in collaboration with the Qatar Police Sports Federation (QPSF) and saw participation from ministry employees, their families, and the public.
This year's activities were spread across two designated areas, catering to different age groups and providing an inclusive experience.
The first area featured bowling, cup stacking, Angry Birds, target wall shooting, header challenge, darts, e-sports, a horse riding station, sack races, football competitions, chess, the snake game, and a children's camp.
The second area included children's sports competitions, table tennis, wire hockey, baby-foot, golf, badminton, volleyball, basketball, boxing challenges, weightlifting, and fitness exercises, alongside a healthy food station.
The Ministry of Social Development and Family organised activities in collaboration with the Qatar Social Work Foundation (QSWF), with the participation of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani and HE the Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi.
HE Sheikh Mohammed participated in activities alongside the elderly and staffers of the Shafallah Centre, Al Noor Centre and Orphans Care Centre (Dreama), as well as other centres operating under the QSWF, at Al Noor Centre for the Blind.
HE al-Nuaimi emphasised that partnership with the QSWF and its social centres is a role model for societal co-operation and comes as part of the ministry's belief in the significance of sport in building a vibrant and healthy society that bolsters the individuals' capabilities and increases their interaction with their social periphery.
Sport, she said, enables children and persons with disabilities to achieve the principles of social inclusion and strengthening brotherly relationship between individuals.
HE al-Nuaimi affirmed that the ministry highlights the importance of sporting activities and promoting sport culture that shapes a healthy society, thereby reflecting the solid relationship between sport and community, as long as sport plays a fundamental role in achieving the educational objectives and fosters active engagement of individuals.
QSWF chief executive Ahmed bin Muhammad al-Kuwari underscored the foundation's commitment to moving in step with the State’s efforts to enhance the well-being of its members and encouraging sport as an enduring lifestyle that can never be abandoned.
The Qatar Career Development Centre (QCDC), a member of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF), hosted a range of sports and recreational activities at Oxygen Park in Education City.
The event welcomed volunteers from the "Empower Ability" programme, designed for individuals with learning difficulties and special needs, to help develop their personal skills and foster inclusivity.
Acting QCDC executive director Saad Abdullah al-Kharji stated that a healthy and active lifestyle is essential for professional success, as it helps maintain mental and psychological well-being, which is crucial for career excellence.
He added that the QCDC takes great pride in welcoming "Empower Ability" volunteers for the second consecutive year in the NSD activities.
