The US embassy in Qatar marked the 249th anniversary of American Independence yesterday (February 20) with an array of live performances and activations, highlighting the power of sports in strengthening ties and fostering global co-operation.
Themed ‘A Night of Champions,’ the celebration at the Qatar National Convention Centre was attended by HE the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim al-Mahmoud, HE the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary-General Dr Ahmad bin Hassan al-Hammadi, and Department of Protocol director ambassador HE Ibrahim Fakhro along with around 1,300 guests.
Speaking at the event, US ambassador Timmy Davis thanked the Qatar Government and key partners as he underscored the key role of sports diplomacy, drawing parallels between the patience, skill, and teamwork required in both sports and international relations.
“Sports icons like Mutaz Barshim with his unforgettable Olympic gold medal high jump have shown us the heights we can reach through perseverance and determination. Nasser al-Attiya’s rally racing victories remind us to value precision and the achievement of goals.
“Global sports icons like Muhammad Ali and Mohamed Salah illustrate how sports transcend borders, uniting us in our shared humanity. Qatar’s emergence as a global sports hub hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, F1 races, the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup and other major events, highlighted the dedication of fostering unity through competition,” the envoy said.
Davis said, “this same spirit of unity” is further reflected in a Qatar Museums exhibition on sports diplomacy and the history of the Los Angeles Olympic Games, urging people to visit the exhibition as he finds it “uplifting”. Looking ahead to co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico, he cited Qatar’s role in fostering unity as an inspiration.
“Diplomacy, much like sports, teaches us the value of perseverance, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. On this ‘Night of Champions’, we honour those champions – in sport and throughout our history – whose dedication and achievements inspire us to push boundaries, reach new heights, and build a brighter future together,” he said.
The envoy noted the enduring friendship between the US and Qatar as he underlined the two countries’ shared vision for progress and peace.
“This bond serves to make Qatar and the US safer, stronger, and more prosperous. Qatar has been and will continue to be an exceptional partner to the US. His Highness the Amir has been a visionary leader,” he said, spotlighting Qatar’s instrumental role in facilitating the Israel-Hamas ceasefire – a shining example of its unwavering commitment to peace and diplomacy.
The event featured live performances by the US Air Force Central Band and the Qatar Music Academy’s Senior Youth Choir. The band, known for its cultural exchanges through music, played a variety of country, pop, rock, and jazz hits, as well as sports-themed selections.
“My favourite performances are any that we get to exchange culture, hear the music of different cultures, of different partner nations around the region.
“I absolutely love hearing the native, traditional instruments in the Arabian Peninsula, whether that is drums, or a string instrument or any of the million different ones, I love hearing that, that’s always a nice treat when we get to do that,” AFCENT band’s 1st Lt Julian Sconyers told reporters on the sidelines of the event.
The celebration also featured the traditional cake-cutting ceremony, while the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum presented a pop-up exhibition. It showcased artifacts from the 1932 and 1984 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, honouring the past and future of the games as it prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games.