By Fazeena Saleem
DOHA: H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson, Qatar Foundation (QF), joined hundreds of participants from around the country to celebrate National Sport Day (NSD) at Education City yesterday.
Over 60 activities were held by QF under the theme ‘Unlock Your Inner Athlete’ to inspire healthy living and enjoyment of sport.
Events begun with the popular annual walkathon, led by Sheikha Moza, together with H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson QF, H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, President, Qatar Olympic Committee, and H E Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The 3km walkathon begun near Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) Student Centre and ended in the Oxygen Park in Education City. It was hosted by Sidra Medical and Research Centre.
Sheikha Moza also participated in some events and watched participants enjoy activities.
“QF participates in National Sport Day every year to encourage its employees to play sports and adopt healthy, active lifestyles. We strive to inspire the community to exercise daily, and aim to educate individuals about the importance of playing sports year-round,” said Engineer Saad Al Muhannadi, President, QF.
Fahad Al Qahtani, Group Executive Director, Administration, QF, said, “There is no doubt that National Sport Day is beneficial to individuals and the wider community. This event promotes the strengthening of a sport culture in Qatar, and informs community members about the importance of living healthy lifestyles. Advanced countries are created by healthy citizens capable of actively serving their communities.”
Among the attractions to promote healthy living was Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar’s Your Health First which gave a chance to make your own smoothie while riding bicycles. Basic checks for BMI, blood pressure and others were conducted for visitors.
Visitors also took part in volleyball, basketball, badminton and football tournaments. Traditional games and group fitness classes were also held, including carrom, tug-of-war, Zumba, aerobics and Crossfit to cater all categories of participants. Al Shaqab equestrian centre gave children the opportunity to get up close with majestic animals at the park, which had a soft opening yesterday.
Children aged 5-13 enjoyed pony rides throughout the day and the activity was supported by ExxonMobil, a major sponsor for Al Shaqab and other QF projects. Golf edutainment, treasure hunt, and traditional Ardha tournament were also held.
The Peninsula
