The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) recently participated in the Generation Amazing Festival 2021, as part of its ongoing partnership with the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy. The festival, which took place between 14-18th December, aimed to inspire a generation that is committed to social change through the power of sport. This year’s theme, “ALL IN”, emphasised the role of youth in the development of their communities.
During the festival, WISH, Qatar Foundation’s (QF) global health initiative, hosted and curated a number of activities for the participants of the festival – predominantly 16- to 25-year-olds from across Qatar and the Arab region. These included art and photography workshops, and a panel discussion focusing on mental health and sports.
Nick Bradshaw, director of Partnerships and Outreach at WISH, said: “We wanted to be involved in this year’s Generation Amazing Festival as we believe in the power of sport to create positive social impact, and to promote good physical and mental health.
“For young people in particular, the ability of sport to shape their lives for the better should not be underestimated. This is especially true when reflecting on the negative impact that the events of the past couple of years have had on the mental health of our younger population. Access to, and participation in, sporting activities should be both protected and encouraged.”
WISH hosted a panel discussion titled "Achieving Your Goals: Tips from Sporting Professionals on Maintaining a Healthy Mind in a Competitive World", which was also streamed virtually. Hosted by Nicky Crosby, presenter at beIN Sports, the session brought together a range of current and former sportspeople who discussed their own experiences regarding mental health and the role that sport plays in facilitating positive mental wellbeing.
Speakers included an impressive number of ex-professional footballers including Qatar-based Dutch international, Nigel De Jong; Qatari footballer and founder and board member of the Qatar Players Association, Abdulaziz al-Sulaiti; France and Manchester United international, Louis Saha; and former Paris Saint Germain and Italy player, Arianna Criscione.
Alexandra Chalat, Qatar Foundation’s Director of Community Engagement and World Cup Legacy, spoke about QF’s many sports initiatives, including the ability friendly program started by WISH and Liverpool Football Club in 2017.
Elsewhere, award-winning photographer Giles Duley, who lost three limbs while on assignment in Afghanistan in 2011, spoke during the opening ceremony about the importance of overcoming adversity and the role sport can play in empowering people. He also delivered two workshops on the topic of “Telling Great Stories Through Pictures with Your Mobile Phone”, while world-renowned Colombian artist Dairo Vargas gave workshops on “Expressing a Passion for Football Through Paint”, encouraging the use of art as a therapeutic tool that encourages better mental health.
During the festival, WISH, Qatar Foundation’s (QF) global health initiative, hosted and curated a number of activities for the participants of the festival – predominantly 16- to 25-year-olds from across Qatar and the Arab region. These included art and photography workshops, and a panel discussion focusing on mental health and sports.
Nick Bradshaw, director of Partnerships and Outreach at WISH, said: “We wanted to be involved in this year’s Generation Amazing Festival as we believe in the power of sport to create positive social impact, and to promote good physical and mental health.
“For young people in particular, the ability of sport to shape their lives for the better should not be underestimated. This is especially true when reflecting on the negative impact that the events of the past couple of years have had on the mental health of our younger population. Access to, and participation in, sporting activities should be both protected and encouraged.”
WISH hosted a panel discussion titled "Achieving Your Goals: Tips from Sporting Professionals on Maintaining a Healthy Mind in a Competitive World", which was also streamed virtually. Hosted by Nicky Crosby, presenter at beIN Sports, the session brought together a range of current and former sportspeople who discussed their own experiences regarding mental health and the role that sport plays in facilitating positive mental wellbeing.
Speakers included an impressive number of ex-professional footballers including Qatar-based Dutch international, Nigel De Jong; Qatari footballer and founder and board member of the Qatar Players Association, Abdulaziz al-Sulaiti; France and Manchester United international, Louis Saha; and former Paris Saint Germain and Italy player, Arianna Criscione.
Alexandra Chalat, Qatar Foundation’s Director of Community Engagement and World Cup Legacy, spoke about QF’s many sports initiatives, including the ability friendly program started by WISH and Liverpool Football Club in 2017.
Elsewhere, award-winning photographer Giles Duley, who lost three limbs while on assignment in Afghanistan in 2011, spoke during the opening ceremony about the importance of overcoming adversity and the role sport can play in empowering people. He also delivered two workshops on the topic of “Telling Great Stories Through Pictures with Your Mobile Phone”, while world-renowned Colombian artist Dairo Vargas gave workshops on “Expressing a Passion for Football Through Paint”, encouraging the use of art as a therapeutic tool that encourages better mental health.
