The 3rd Aspire International Kite Festival, which concluded on Saturday, attracted 53,000 attendees and gathered 18 international teams at Aspire Park for four days of thrill and excitement. The event, which contributed to one of Aspire Zone Foundation’s (AZF) most popular annual offerings, also brought together 2,500 students from various schools across Qatar.
In a press statement, AZF said 24,000 attended festival’s side-line workshops, 10,000 kites sold to visitors, and it showcased 300 vivid kites designed by international kite flyers. It also recorded a 300% increase in viewers on social media platforms.
Hassan al-Emadi awards first-place winners Oscar Academy.
The festival’s closing ceremony, which announced the winners of various competitions, was led by AZF’s public relations and communication director Nasser Abdullah al-Hajri, members of the organising committee, and the general manager from sponsor Dolphin Energy, Hassan al-Emadi.
“AZF continuously strives to organise ‘sportainment’ activities for families and I’m thrilled to see such massive turnout at this event. Through hosting such festivals with international kite flyers, we aim to encourage new talent in Qatar to pick up the talent,” AZF CEO Mohamed Khalifa al-Suwaidi said. “It is always a pleasure to see participants return and to welcome new ones.”
The 3rd edition of Aspire International Kite Festival showcased 300 vivid kites designed by international kite flyers.
He noted that the kite extravaganza has become a key local, regional and international attraction, helping Aspire achieve its objectives around promoting active lifestyles. Already a firm favourite among families, al-Suwaidi said they are particularly pleased to have seen 2,500 students from schools across Qatar attend this year.
“I look forward to welcoming everyone back for the 2020 edition,” he stressed. AZF also honoured the winners of the photography contest that managed to capture best photographic shots throughout the festival.
Mohamed bin Fahad al-Thani, a member of the organising committee awarded the top four winners, with first-place going to Denis Ghamarsha.
Al-Emadi distributed the awards to the three winning schools: Oscar Academy attained first-place and received QR50,000; second-place went to Edison International School (QR30,000); and third-place went to Birla Public School (QR20,000).
After the school’s awards, al-Hajri awarded the German’s ‘Team 4 Fun’ and America’s Spencer Watson for the Best Acrobatic Kites. Scott and Marilynn Hampton won the Design and Innovation Award and Kuwait’s al-Farsi team won the Best National Team Award. Jon and Jill Bloom from the UK won awards for the best kites reflecting Qatari culture.
In addition, an Encouragement Award went to the Qatari team for its promising participation in the third edition of the kite festival. It was also the youngest delegation among all the participants. “The much-awaited festival managed to grab the attention of Qatari citizens as well as local and regional media outlets. At Aspire, we are always looking for new ways to excite people and this event – the most successful so far – has shown we are still able to do so,” al-Hajri said.
“The photography contest created a social media buzz among photography enthusiasts in Qatar, who rushed to compete and showcase their best techniques. Photographers portrayed the festival and excelled in their contributions to our social media channels, helping to contribute to a massive increase in online viewers,” he added.
