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They are young, healthy and sporty – and they are ready to inspire all Qataris to jump into action: they are the two new mascots of National Sport Day! |
With only a few days separating us from tomorrow, when the prestigious initiative by HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Deputy Emir and Heir Apparent will involve thousands of Qatari residents in a rich programme of activities as part of National Sport Day, Khazaz and Odaynah have been announced as the Official Mascots of National Sport Day.
Khazaz and Odaynah, whose names are references to the proud Qatari tradition, are a male and female wild desert hare: they embody the spirit of the country and its customs; they are also sport lovers, and they will invite all National Sport Day participants to join them in running, jumping, walking and playing sports.
Khazaz is 13 years old and has an ambitious, curious and vivacious personality that leads him to a desire to learn through sport. Odaynah, is 15 years old and wants sport – and the health benefits it produces - to be a vehicle for a peaceful world and a prosperous community.
The Mascots have been designed by Classic Dream, a company that applied its knowledge of national culture and its pride in being Qatari to the development of the characters of Khazaz and Odaynah. The National Sport Day Mascots will play an active role during the events on February 12, and are sure to be a hit with kids. They will also be featured in a colouring book for kids and a magazine, and will continue to promote Sports for All in the future as well.
Qtel’s provides fun for All
Volleyball, Football, Giant Baseball, Outdoor Gyms and Even a Special Guest Appearance from ‘Ice Age’ Stars. Qtel will host an incredible day of sporting surprises in the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) park tomorrow, as the country joins together to celebrate Qatar National Sports Day. As part of their wider corporate social responsibility policies, Qtel will provide full facilities for employees and the community to engage in a wide range of sporting activities.
Team and individual sport events are being organised on the MIA Park for the event, which will take place from 9am to 6pm and is free-of-charge for entry. There will be a special VIP opening at 10am. Fatima al-Kuwari, Director of Public Relations, Qtel said, “We have brought together an incredible selection of sports in the MIA Park, so that people can take part in the sport that suits them best. We would like to thank Qatar Museums Authority for their support and we hope to see a big turn-out from the community on Tuesday.”
Among the events featured for the Qtel Sports Day will be an incredible range of sports, from the traditional – such as football and volleyball – to the more creative for younger people, including games of Giant Bowling, Giant Baseball and a unique game of American football.
Qatar Children’s Museum will organise a range of energetic and entertaining children’s activities throughout the day in the special “Kid’s Area.” Qtel has assembled gym equipment in the grounds of the MIA Park, so that people can work out and enjoy the surroundings at the same time. One of the treats of the day will be a special “Ice Age” show; an interactive live stage event featuring the stars of the ‘Ice Age’ movies, including Sid, Manny, Diego, and Scrat, The show will run at 10am, 1pm, and 4pm. Qtel’s social media team will be present to capture the entertainment and action of the day, hosting a competition where people submit their old photos and have the chance to recreate the photo in the present.
QIB plans events
QIB has exclusively booked the Four Seasons Hotel for QIB officials, staff and families to participate in their thoroughly planned sports programme to be held on the National Sport Day, on February 12th. The sports programme, titled ‘QIB’s sport day’ will run from 9am to 3pm and will give QIB team members and families the opportunity to take part in various sporting activities such as sports competitions, fitness exercises, sports ‘mind games’, leisure games, short marathons and other events, whilst enjoying healthy meals specially prepared for the day. QIB’s participation in the National Sports Day is to support the national vision of the State of Qatar, in elevating the country’s status in the international sporting arena and to promote a healthy lifestyle for all citizens in Qatar. Through sporting activities organised across the country, the National Sport Day aims to raise awareness of sports and its health benefits.
Last chance to participate in photo contest
Today marks the last call for the photography contest organised on the occasion of the National Sport Day. Get ready, aim, shoot, submit your photo to the official Twitter account @Qatar_NSD and get the chance to win sport gadgets and valuable gifts! For all those who have not yet joined the competition, a sport inspired photo, or one of you practicing sports is the only thing you have to do. Then you may simply tweet your picture, by mentioning @Qatar_NSD & #NSD. The only restriction is that the photo must be taken outdoors to be eligible and shot by the person who submits it, without copying it from the Internet or other sources. The announcement of winners will be on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. in the QOC Sports Zone.
Good sports at Salam International
Salam International has announced its programme of activities for National Sport Day. Salam will organise a range of activities, including table tennis at The Gate shopping centre, a bowling competition in Gondolania, Villaggio and basketball games in the Industrial Area. Salam will also participate in the sports walk on the Corniche. The table tennis event is being held in collaboration with the Qatar Table Tennis Association and Qatar Women’s Sport Committee, who have provided Salam International with all the tables and equipment.
Katara DFI Cinema to screen documantries
To celebrate National Sports Day Katara Cultural Village and Doha Film Institute (DFI) presents a free screening of two compelling sports documentaries, which received their MENA premieres at Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF) 2012, as a part of Katara DFI Cinema. The Katara DFI Cinema National Sports Day screenings will include, the documentary ‘Town of Runners’, which focuses on two championship hopefuls in long-distance running, who move away from their small hometown in the Ethiopian highlands in their quest for Olympic gold. The second film, ‘Venus and Serena’, uncovers the fascinating lives of Venus and Serena Williams, two of the greatest tennis players the world has ever known. Screenings are free to the public with limited capacity, on a first-come first-serve basis. ‘Town of Runners’ will screen at 4pm followed by ‘Venus and Serena’ at 6pm.