Greetings. Today, we celebrate the closing of the season on “Sport Excellence Day” just like we have done in the earlier seasons. This season was packed with records and achievements in terms of getting the honour of hosting major championships across all sports and in terms of our progressive effort to achieve the best results at both regional and international level. Qatar Olympic Committee has also put in efforts to boost the role of community sports.
Our national athletes recorded dazzling results in London 2012 Summer Olympic Games. It was an unprecedented achievement in Qatar’s sporting history. In London, Nasser Saleh al-Attiyiah and Mutaz Essa Barshim won bronze medals in the Skeet and the High Jump competition respectively.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of our beloved country in the international arena.
We also take this opportunity to thank HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar, and HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Heir Apparent and the President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), for their support and concern for sport and athletes.
In London, a new generation of our young athletes took part in multiple sport events. Additionally, our athletes and clubs achieved success at both regional and international levels.
We aspire and look ahead for a bright future with desire and hope. Our youth achieved success too, winning two gold medals in 2012 IAAF World Junior Championships in Athletics in Barcelona. Our champion Asharaf al-Saifi set new world record in hammer event.
We shall never forget the efforts of our champion, Abdullah al-Tamimi, in squash. His distinctive results at the regional and international levels elevated him to the world no. 1 position in the juniors’ category.
On other hand, it is QOC’s top priority to boost community sport and make sport into a lifestyle.
The National Sport Day (NSD) is top of the list in our most important initiatives. We are currently focussing on the evaluation, support and continuity of NSD. The first two editions of NSD got unprecedented success. The event has enriched the culture of the community, government and non-government organisations with values of sport. It has helped in improving human health, mentally, physically and psychologically.
Our second initiative is the Schools Olympic Program (SOP), which is in its sixth year now. It is a pioneering programme targeted at the young generation (juniors) and school students. At the educational institutions, our children study science and other subjects to enrich their minds but now physical activities have also been incorporated with a concept of ‘Sound Mind in Sound Body’.
Besides these two major projects, there are several activities and programmes which have been organised to serve all communities across the country, including youth centres, firgan playgrounds. Recently, Al Wakra Firgan playground was officially launched to be the first developed playground. There are 15 projects as of now, apart from 4 sport and social centres for ladies, as well as multiple sport activities for all age groups.
All these programmes, initiatives and activities are being carried out in the light of Qatar 2030 National Vision and based on the sport strategy plan 2011 – 2016.
Now, we call on every one to double the efforts for the season 2013-2014. Jointly with different organisations we will achieve the objectives of our National Vision.
Finally, I take this opportunity to thank and appreciate your efforts during the season, extend thanks to anyone who worked and contributed to boost Qatar’s sport movement. We ask Almighty Allah to secure success for all your efforts and work.
Peace upon you.