Qatar University Young Scientists Center (QU- YSC) recently concluded the activities of the 7th cycle of the Science in Sports programme for high school students in a virtual ceremony on the MS teams.
This cycle is the beginning of the fruitful collaboration between the center and the Qatar Olympic Committee in the framework of integrating science in sports and spreading community sports. The competing groups presented new and innovative sports built and designed on scientific and innovative foundations with the addition of an enthusiasm factor.
Six groups of students from five secondary schools inside and outside the city of Doha participated in the cycle, namely; Omar Bin Al Khattab Secondary School for Boys, Jassim Bin Hamad Secondary School for Boys, Al Zubara Secondary School for Boys, Bin Taymiyyah Secondary School for Boys and Al Shaymaa Secondary School for Girls. This is after they joined scientific workshops and interactive activities, which they performed in their homes using the educational materials provided to them by the center.
The activities focused on introducing students to the scientific and physical concepts that mainly affect sports and the performance of players, and increasing their scientific expertise in the fields of STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This is in line with the directions and objectives of Qatar Olympic Committee and Qatar University. Athletes who reflected their experiences and experiences that inspired them to innovate accompanied the students on their distinguished educational journey. They are; handball champion Maryam al-Suwaidi, equestrian champion Hamad al-Attiyah, and Taekwondo champion Othman Boularas.
At the end of the ceremony, the winning groups in the Sports Innovation Challenge were announced. The first place was won by Lusail Stadium Group Jassim bin Hamad Secondary School for Boys, the second place by Al-Rayyan Stadium group from Jassim bin Hamad Secondary School for Boys; Al-janoub Stadium group from the Bin Taymiyyah Secondary School for Boys won the third place. Education City Stadium group in fourth place from Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Secondary School for Boys. The Khalifa Stadium group from Al Zubarah Secondary School for Boys and the Al Bayt Stadium group from Al Shaymaa Secondary School for Girls also won the title of the most committed participating group.
In her speech at the ceremony, Maryam al-Suwaidi, player of the Qatar handball team, said that the ideas and innovations she witnessed today exceed expectations in the sports field, and she was amazed by the scientific accuracy shown by the students during the presentations. She also congratulated all the participants and encouraged them to continue to learn and innovate. Qatar Taekwondo player Othman Boualaras congratulated all the participating teams that worked hard during the competition, especially the first-place winning group, Lusail Stadium.
Abdullah al-Marri, Head of Communication Unit at Qatar Olympic Committee, said that the existing collaboration between the committee and the center will not be the last, but many partnerships will follow. He also praised the idea of the programme, explained that it coincides with their strategic plans in spreading sports movement and a healthy lifestyle in the younger generations, and congratulated all the winners.
Prof. Noora al-Thani, Director of Qatar University Young Scientists Center, expressed her happiness with the sports ideas presented by the students, which resulted from a great depth of research, investigation and scrutiny of innovative materials and tools that can be used in new sports. She added, "What distinguishes the center's programmes is the integration of students into reality and the activities that attract them, such as sports, and we always strive to create partnerships with entities that contribute to achieving the center's visions and providing the best for the students."
Prof Noora thanked Olympic Committee and the participating athletes, athlete Mariam al-Suwaidi, equestrian Hamad al-Attiyah and athlete Othman Boualaras for their support of the students and being a key factor in motivating them and the success of the 7th cycle. She also thanked the center's partners namely; UNESCO-Doha Office and Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.
 
 
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