First Qatar Workers' Fun Run kicks off at Aspire

More than 1,100 migrant workers, diplomats, government officials, and other dignitaries, thronged the Aspire Park Friday to participate in the first Qatar Workers' Fun Run – an event honouring their contributions to the country’s development. The one-day event, organised by the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA), Netherlands embassy, and International Labour Organisation (ILO), also aimed to recognise Qatar’s impressive achievements in protecting workers’ rights and welfare. “This was really all about the workers to celebrate and thank them for what they have done for this country, as you may know May 1 is International Workers' Day. It is all about workers' welfare,” Dutch ambassador Dr Bahia Tahzib-Lie told 'Gulf Times'.

“It’s a wonderful race, wonderful day, I cannot describe how wonderful it is, it is indescribably beautiful, priceless. This is one my happiest days in Qatar,” stressed the envoy, who was among the finishers of the 5km race.Dr Tahzib-Lie was joined by Italian ambassador Pasquale Salzano and ILO project office head Houtan Homayounpour during the run around Aspire Park. Apart from migrant workers, members of the public and various expatriate communities, also participated in the fun run, which aims to promote an active and healthy lifestyle in the country.A 35-year-old Kenyan expatriate in Doha, Pius Nyaundi, was the first to finish the race in over 16 minutes. “I enjoyed the run despite a windy day,” he told 'Gulf Timestarget="_blank"'>