By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter

Katara - the Cultural Village will hold tomorrow a grand celebration of National Sport Day, an event that will showcase 88 activities spearheaded by more than 30 government and non-government institutions in the country.
Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti announced yesterday that it will be the first time that so many organisations are participating in one of the most celebrated occasions in Qatar.
The activities of the celebration, which has been dubbed “Katara in sports’ colours”, cater to all ages and will be held simultaneously in the beach area (Esplanade) from 7am tomorrow until 3am on Wednesday. The event is open to all.
Dr al-Sulaiti noted that visitors and participants can watch and participate in various kinds of sporting activities tomorrow free of charge.
These include martial arts demos and exhibitions such as taekwondo, karate and wrestling. A “boxing for everyone” event will be an added attraction.
About 10 tables will be set up for table tennis, which is considered as one of the safest and “lifetime” sports in the world. Enthusiasts can also play other racket games such as badminton and tennis (on a mini tennis court).
The organisers are urging parents and their children to join the family fun run and numerous fun games such as tug of war.
The excitement does not end there, says Dr al-Sulaiti, stressing how important the annual celebration is in the lives of Qataris and expatriates.
Katara will also feature water sports like canoe and kayak, which are expected to attract thousands of spectators.
For team sports, he disclosed that trampoline, beach volleyball, beach soccer, basketball and water polo will be open to all for mini competitions and trials.
For those who want to test their wit and speed in chess, Qatar Chess Federation has readied a blitz open (timed game).
Numerous other activities and attractions, such as a motor show, cycling, football pitch, Blokart sailing and a powerlifting competition, are also part of the celebration.
Dr al-Sulaiti praised HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani for the National Sport Day initiative. He noted that sports has served as a bridge in maintaining integrity and peace between nations “in addition to the promotion of values of tolerance, love and respect”.
“We are expecting thousands of people to visit Katara for this exceptional celebration,” he said.
About the theme of the celebration this year, the Katara official pointed out that “colours” represent energy.