Even as the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, the Arab Games Organising Committee (AGOC), with the support of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), has successfully organised a slew of events to promote the upcoming Arab Games Doha 2011, scheduled to take place from December 9 to 23.
Khalid al-Mohannadi speaking at a Ramadan tent event
One of the most anticipated regional sporting events in the Arab world, the event will involve 22 Arab countries, more than 30 sports, and 8,000 athletes and officials.
Over the past month the organising committee has worked hard, engaging the local community in many ways to promote the games, including a quiz event on a popular television show, hosting information seminars, and supporting various sporting tournaments.
In an effort to reach out to Qatar’s public, AGOC partnered with Al Leewan, a popular Qatari television quiz show and all-time Ramadan favourite in the Gulf region.
Arab Games recently became a diamond tier sponsor of the show, which involves questions and answers on specific themes each year.
As diamond sponsor, AGOC earned the privilege of being a prevalent topic on the entertaining show throughout the month of Ramadan.
Participants were quizzed on different aspects of Arab Games Doha 2011, information on which they could only find on the sporting event’s website. http://www.arabgames2011.qa
The Rumailah Park mosque in the splendour of the Doha evening sky. PICTURE: Sajin Orma
“All our affiliations and community engagement strategies stem from the fact that we believe in investing in people throughout the entire community,” said Hassan Abdullah al-Mohammadi, manager, promotion – AGOC.
“Through sport, Qatar is developing people, skills and expertise as the nation responds to a common goal of hosting major events.
“The positive impact sport can have on a host nation goes far beyond the competitors. Every part of the community can benefit which is reflected within our wide ranging promotional activities,” he added.
In addition to the sponsorship of Al Leewan, AGOC also dedicated time and effort to other events that support and inspire the development of Qatar’s human capital. Therefore, AGOC also played an active role with a presence in sports tournaments organised by QOC, as well as those by local clubs and schools.
One of the significant events to take place included the celebration of International Youth Day at Abu Baker Asedeeq Independent School, which saw members of the AGOC interacting with students of various age groups, sharing with them details about sports, tickets, and volunteering for Arab Games Doha 2011.
During the event, al-Mohammadi discussed the upcoming games and the opportunities it offers to the youth of Qatar with the Minister of Culture, Arts, and Heritage HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari.
In a separate event, representatives from the Arab Games Doha 2011 organising committee demonstrated their support for the Al Thakira football tournament while raising awareness about the upcoming Arab Games.
Under the local fields committee known as Lajnat Malaeb Al Furjan, which falls under the wing of QOC, the final match of the 5th annual Ramadan football tournament took place at Al Thakhira Club.
Their participation was welcomed by the youth at Al Thakhira who expressed interest in volunteering and participating in the different activities around the games, including supporting Arab teams and athletes.
AGOC representatives also distributed Arab Games Doha 2011 merchandise to visitors throughout the event.
Recognising AGOC’s contributions to the vision of nation-wide development, Friends of the Environment Centre (FEC) hosted a seminar on AGOC at their Ramadan tent.
It was attended by Khalid al-Mohannadi, executive director of Arab Games Doha 2011 and Dr Saif al-Hajari, president of the FEC.
The goal of the seminar was essentially to stress on how to make the upcoming Arab Games Doha 2011 a successful sporting event that leaves a lasting legacy on all areas of society.
Further, AGOC representatives spoke at the various tents organised by FEC, dedicated to different nationalities daily for a week.
In tents exclusive to FEC’s female members, female representatives from AGOC discussed the significance of Arab Games Doha 2011, the volunteering and employment opportunities available to women during the games, and the role of women in sports in general.
AGOC representatives also discussed the various tickets packages available to single fans, families, and friends for Arab Games Doha 2011.
“Physical activity is more than a source of health and enjoyment for those who participate in sports, it pulls together the social and cultural fabric of society, in communities and on the international stage,” said al-Mohannadi.
“Living up to its national development strategy, Qatar has enjoyed unprecedented global recognition in sports in recent years, and we, at AGOC, appreciate Qatar’s investment in sports, QOC’s partner clubs, sports federations, as well as the development of athletes, hosting of international competitions, and raising awareness of the benefits of sports and physical activity,” he added.