The Generation Amazing Festival 2021 opened Wednesday at Education City’s Ceremonial Court, bringing together youths from all competing nations in the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 and offering them an opportunity to learn about the social impact of football and how it can be used to transform their communities.
The event, organised by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) in partnership with Qatar Foundation (QF) until December 18, is a celebration of the “football for good movement”.
“The legacy of Generation Amazing will continue to impact many lives over the years to come. For our festival this year, the theme is ‘All-In’ which emphasises the vital role of the youth in developing their communities,” programmes director Nasser al-Khori said in his speech.
He was joined by other speakers, including QF’s Community Development president Machaille al-Naimi, Qatar Football Association general secretary Mansoor al-Ansari, Yemeni-Russian award-winning journalist, filmmaker, curator, and educator Mariam al-Dhubani, and Legacy of War Foundation founder and CEO Giles Duley.
Duley, a renowned British photojournalist who lost both his legs and left arm in Afghanistan in 2011 after stepping on an improvised explosive device, shared his story of resiliency, strength, and determination with the participants.
However, this tragedy did not stop him from pursuing his passion. In 2012, he returned to Afghanistan and started documenting the stories of those who were impacted by the conflict.
“I am incredibly privileged that I am able to continue that work (humanitarian photographer) but it is because each day I repeat that mantra to myself and I say focus on what you can (control) and do not worry about the things you can’t control. Each day focus on yourself and how you can improve yourself as a person and as an athlete,” said Duley, who just travelled to at least 10 countries this year, including Afghanistan, Congo, and Ukraine, among others.
After the success of the first two editions of the Youth Festivals in 2019 and 2020, this year’s celebration continues with the SC legacy programme’s vision to inspire a generation committed to social change through the power of sport.
Participants have started attending a series of workshops, sessions, and panel discussions delivered by several internationally acclaimed organisations. Key learning outcomes for participating youth include using football as a tool for development and peace, addressing social challenges, project management and implementation, as well as leadership and advocacy.
According to the organisers, the festival’s closing day “will be dedicated to the final game of our All-In tournament (designed to maximise the social skill development outcomes) in the presence of several football legends. The finale of the day being the participants attending the final match of the FIFA Arab Cup 2021.”
The event, organised by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) in partnership with Qatar Foundation (QF) until December 18, is a celebration of the “football for good movement”.
Legacy of War Foundation founder and CEO Giles Duley addressing the event yesterday as other speakers look on
“The legacy of Generation Amazing will continue to impact many lives over the years to come. For our festival this year, the theme is ‘All-In’ which emphasises the vital role of the youth in developing their communities,” programmes director Nasser al-Khori said in his speech.
He was joined by other speakers, including QF’s Community Development president Machaille al-Naimi, Qatar Football Association general secretary Mansoor al-Ansari, Yemeni-Russian award-winning journalist, filmmaker, curator, and educator Mariam al-Dhubani, and Legacy of War Foundation founder and CEO Giles Duley.
Duley, a renowned British photojournalist who lost both his legs and left arm in Afghanistan in 2011 after stepping on an improvised explosive device, shared his story of resiliency, strength, and determination with the participants.
However, this tragedy did not stop him from pursuing his passion. In 2012, he returned to Afghanistan and started documenting the stories of those who were impacted by the conflict.
“I am incredibly privileged that I am able to continue that work (humanitarian photographer) but it is because each day I repeat that mantra to myself and I say focus on what you can (control) and do not worry about the things you can’t control. Each day focus on yourself and how you can improve yourself as a person and as an athlete,” said Duley, who just travelled to at least 10 countries this year, including Afghanistan, Congo, and Ukraine, among others.
After the success of the first two editions of the Youth Festivals in 2019 and 2020, this year’s celebration continues with the SC legacy programme’s vision to inspire a generation committed to social change through the power of sport.
Participants have started attending a series of workshops, sessions, and panel discussions delivered by several internationally acclaimed organisations. Key learning outcomes for participating youth include using football as a tool for development and peace, addressing social challenges, project management and implementation, as well as leadership and advocacy.
According to the organisers, the festival’s closing day “will be dedicated to the final game of our All-In tournament (designed to maximise the social skill development outcomes) in the presence of several football legends. The finale of the day being the participants attending the final match of the FIFA Arab Cup 2021.”