*Culture and Sport Minister lists benefits of sport, exercise

The message of this year's National Sport Day, being marked across Qatar on Tuesday, is to make sport a cornerstone of social change, HE the Minister of Culture and Sport Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali has said.

"All sport facilities will be available for everyone, reflecting the state's keenness to pay attention to the physical and psychological health of the society," he explained in a statement released by the ministry on Sunday.

"The National Sport Day showcases the commitment of the community to the values of sport, including disseminating the spirit of sportsmanship through mutual respect and the rationalisation of the behaviour of individuals," the minister asserted.

"Sport is a vital area that reflects the commitment of the Qatari people to support their country's goal of securing a distinguished place on the global sport map.

"The dedication of Qataris and residents alike has demonstrated the vision of the wise leadership in supporting and developing sport and the people's ability to respond to challenges," the statement said.

"Sport contributes to building awareness about the importance of maintaining good health so as to be ready for constructive work. It also shows the social cohesion among all groups of the society and achieving psychological and mental stability for every individual in the Qatari society," the minister said.

"The growing awareness about sport and its lofty goals underlines the ability of the society to combat some diseases that may hamper its progress," HE Salah al-Ali said, while pointing out that this is reflected in the general behaviour of Qataris and other residents as sport has become a driver for capacity development and a support for other areas.

The National Sport Day reflects the diversity of sport activity and is not limited to competitive events in order to achieve the required balance with the various types of sport practised by the community.

"The National Sport Day is an annual occasion that makes the Qatari society a model in moral and intellectual aspects because it focuses on the quality of investment in human beings and in turn empower them to shoulder their responsibilities in the future.

"Young people will only be able to play their role when they are healthy and strong and this objective could be achieved through sport and exercise," he added.

Qatar has geared up to celebrate the National Sport Day on a grand scale with various organisations announcing a variety of events. Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) has completed preparations for the seventh National Sport Day.

In a statement yesterday, AZF said more than 20 sporting activities are “expected to attract thousands of community members of all ages and physical capabilities, as with every year, who are keen to take part in Aspire Zone’s activities”.

Whether attending alone or with family and friends, visitors can take part in Aspire Zone’s activities at its outdoor and indoor facilities from 7.30am to 4pm.

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