The virtual marathon launched by Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) has seen great response around the world, HE the President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani has said.
In a virtual interview to journalist Mishaal Shakir, posted on the Instagram account of QOC, HE Sheikh Joaan said that the initiative enabled people to engage in a sporting activity from home. The idea was conceived by some young employees of the committee and it became a big success once implemented, he noted.
HE Sheikh Joaan said Ramadan this year is different due to the prevailing circumstances and everybody should follow the precautionary and preventive measures as well as the laws and regulations issued by the authorities concerned in the country to ensure the health and safety of all.
He stressed that QOC employees rushed to volunteer and aid the efforts of the State to combat the spread of Covid-19. There are around 200 active QOC volunteers now working with the Ministry of Public Health and other related entities, he added.
HE Sheikh Joaan also appreciated the positive response from the people of the country, both Qataris and expatriates, who took part in the initiative. This strongly reflects the level of solidarity among the inhabitants of the country.
He said Qatar will have a good participation in the Tokyo Olympics, which has been postponed until 2021, with a good number of highly trained and distinguished athletes.
Further, he stressed that Qatar is a strong candidate for hosting the Asian Games in 2030, as the country is now looking beyond the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
He highlighted Aspire Zone Foundation’s role as the main producers of talented and high-quality sportspersons in the country, noting that it could achieve in a short time what sports clubs elsewhere would take many years to do.
Qatar has ambitious plans in the sports arena and prepares accordingly, he added.
