The event, organised by Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF), will see more than 50 teams from 13 countries (Australia, Canada, Colombia, France, Indonesia, Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, the UK, the US and Vietnam) competing in what promises to be “a colourful and beautiful showcase” at Aspire Park.
Aspire Academy director general Ivan Bravo told a press conference that they want to celebrate the art of kite flying through a unique combination of sporting competitions and fun-filled activities for the community.
He said the five-day festival will also bring together young students from various schools in Doha in a contest aimed at introducing them to the sport of kite flying.
The friendly inter-school competition will see teams of 10 vying for the top awards, with the first place getting QR30,000, QR20,000 for the second place and QR10,000 for the third place. It will also feature a number of child-friendly activities throughout the week.
The festival will offer spectators a chance to witness some of the best international kite flyers in action, according to organisers.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to practice their own skills through a series of creative and skills-based kite- making and kite flying workshops.
The festival, sponsored by Katara – the Cultural Village, Qatar Airways, Ooredoo, Nikon and Kiddy Zone, will feature arts and crafts, a wind garden and stilt walking entertainers, as well as an array of food and beverage options.
In a statement, AZF CEO Mohamed al-Suwaidi said they want to offer a one-of-a-kind event for everyone, encourage the community to participate, and highlight Qatar’s growing profile as a destination of choice for tourists and visitors.
Creative competitions are also set to encourage visitors to capture the spirit of the festival in a photo contest, tagging #AspireKitePhoto for a chance to win prizes.
Two Business Class round-trips tickets are at stake for the first place, two Economy tickets to any destination on Qatar Airways for 2nd place, and Nikon cameras for the third and fourth placers.
A poster competition for children will also seek out the best illustration of a kite in the skies above Aspire Park posted to @aspirezone on Instagram for a chance to win giveaways from Kiddy Zone.
“Kite flying is not only a sport that requires precision, agility and patience, it is a fun activity that is an ideal platform to bring people together from all nationalities, backgrounds and cultures,” Aspire Katara Hospitality CEO and the Event’s Organising Committee head Kholoud al-Hail said.
Safety and security measures will also be put in place at the festival, according to AZF’s corporate communications manager Hussain al-Qahtani.
Hussain al-Qahtani and Ivan Bravo announce the first International Kite Festival. PICTURE: Nasar TK.
Qatar residents and visitors will have the opportunity to witness some of the most beautiful and unique kites soaring through Doha’s skies for five days from Tuesday at the 1st International Kite Festival.
