Virtually all sporting venues in the country were packed to capacity with thousands taking advantage of the public holiday to whole-heartedly support the government-backed initiative to promote physical fitness and outdoor activity
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Call it a revolution with a difference. In a massive collective step towards a healthier and more energetic Qatar, tens of thousands of citizens and expatriates took to the country’s numerous sports facilities and open spaces to celebrate the second National Sport Day with a kind of enthusiasm perhaps unmatched in any part of the world.
With HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani leading from the front – he rode a purebred Arabian camel at Um Ethnaytein yesterday morning to promote the traditional Arab sport of camel racing – people of all ages participated in a wide range of events to make the National Sport Day a roaring success. HH the Emir was accompanied by his Special Adviser, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani.
HH the Deputy Emir and Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani took part in the sports activities held at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex and toured the facilities there, including the Heritage Village, the Kids Village and the VIP Village. He also participated with children in sports activities organised by Qatar Orphan Foundation (Dhreima) at Al Arabi Sports Club yesterday morning.
From road races to football, tennis, golf and cricket competitions, virtually all sporting venues in the country were packed to capacity with enthusiasts taking advantage of the public holiday to whole-heartedly support the government-backed initiative to promote physical fitness and outdoor activity in a big way as part of the country’s National Vision 2030.
The National Sport Day officially started with a VIP Walk at the Corniche, with the participation of high-ranking officials, such as QOC Secretary General HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, Minister of Health HE Abdulla bin Khalid al-Qahtani, Minister of Justice HE Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanem, ExxonMobil president and general manager Bart Cahir and famous Australian swimming ace Ian Thorpe, among other distinguished personalities.
Events at the Qatar Olympic Committee Sports Zone drew men, women and children to a wide variety of sports and created a festive atmosphere, further enhancing the values of Qatar’s National Vision 2030.
“The National Sport Day is a great opportunity for families to learn more on so many different sports, practice activities and adopt a healthy lifestyle”, said a participant at the activities held at the Sports Zone. “It is a great day for Qatar”, said another citizen.
The National Sport Day was celebrated at different spots in Doha and all across Qatar, including Aspire, Katara, Corniche, Al Refaa, Museum of Islamic Art Park and all sports clubs facilities. More than 30,000 people took part in activities organised at Aspire Zone.
Another highlight of the day was the launch of the “Be Fit” competition, which drew many people.
As the lights of day faded on the Corniche, a magnificent event concluded the first day at the QOC Sports Zone, with thousands of balloons lighting the sky up and offering a unique spectacle to thousands of people.