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Khalil al-Jaber, deputy executive director of AGOC, addresses the gathering at the function to mark the 60-day countdown to the Arab Games Doha 2011 |
The engagement with Khalifa Independent Secondary School for Boys, marking the 60-day countdown, was the first in a series of edutainment activities designed by AGOC to involve children and young adults in schools across Qatar.
“This was a highly creative initiative taken by AGOC, and will serve as a great way for the youth in Qatar to learn more about the legacy of the Arab Games and understand the spirit of competition,” said Khaled al-Hargan, Assistant Director, Education Institute, Supreme Education Council.
“With such pre-event community engagement, AGOC is setting high expectations and standards for not only Arab Games Doha 2011, but all the upcoming Arab Games,” he said.
Aimed at two age groups – 6-12 and 13-18-year olds – the school activities include art and writing competitions, athlete visits to selected schools, Basketball 3 on 3 – a first of its kind interschool basketball competition, tours of the Arab Games Exhibition in Katara, and an Arab Games Coaching Clinic.
“I speak for all of Qatar, when I say that we are looking forward to welcome fellow Arabs – athletes, officials, and fans to Doha,” said Khalil al-Jaber, deputy executive director, AGOC. “With a blazing trail of successful international sporting events, such as the Asian Games, IAAF World Indoors, Diamond League, Asian Cup, World Volleyball Championships, and WTA, Qatar plans to host the best Arab Games to have taken place so far,” he said.
Khalifa al-Mannai, principal of Khalifa Independent Secondary School for Boys, said: “The students, faculty, and staff at Khalifa Independent Secondary School for Boys is proud to be the venue for Arab Games Doha 2011’s 60 countdown activity. We are excited about the schools activities and certain that this interactive approach by AGOC will have a positive impact on our students, and the youth of Qatar.”
In less than 60 days, Doha will be ready to welcome neighbours in the Arab region to a spectacular series of sporting and cultural events that celebrate the shared traditions of all Arab communities.
“Our goal is to engage the youth of Doha and help them develop organisational and practical skills. The activities at Khalifa Independent Secondary School for Boys are designed to educate the youth about sports and the Arab Games in a fun and memorable way. And they are just one example of how Arab Games Doha 2011 is much more than just a sporting event,” said Abdullah al-Mulla, Director, Media & Broadcasting, AGOC.
“Beyond sporting action, the upcoming Arab Games will bring together live music, culture and arts, with events and stunning performances to entertain all ages in a world-class event,” he said.
With less than 60 days left to games time, preparations for Arab Games Doha 2011 are on track and in full swing.
The regional sporting event, which will take place from December 9th – 23rd, 2011, will feature 29 sports, 33 disciplines, and 8,000 athletes and officials from 22 countries. Sports include team sports such as football, volleyball and basketball to individual sports including athletics, boxing, golf, karate, rowing, shooting, wrestling, and weightlifting.
Full-day ticketing packages for families, groups of friends, and individuals, as well as single and sports fan packages can be purchased through the official website of Arab Games Doha 2011: www.arabgames2011.qa. Selected packages include discounts on QOC and Arab Games merchandise, dining outlets, shopping, and car wash services, among others.