Doha, Qatar: Qatar marked its 14th National Sport Day with spectacular celebrations highlighting the nation’s commitment to health and fitness. Various organizations, including the Shura Council and QNB Group, participated extensively to promote the values of sports as part of everyday life, under the motto 'Never Too Late.'
HE Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, Speaker of the Shura Council, emphasized the significance of the National Sport Day. He stated, "The National Sport Day reflects Qatar's commitment to promoting public health and turning sports..." His remarks were echoed by HE Dr. Hamda bint Hassan Al Sulaiti, the Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council, who noted the importance of sports beyond entertainment. "Sport is not just entertainment... but an element in building a strong society," she asserted, highlighting the country's dedication to fostering community health.
The National Sport Day, observed annually on the second Tuesday of February, saw various events and sporting activities organized at Aspire Park and other locations throughout the country. The Shura Council organized activities involving its members and staff, emphasizing communal engagement and physical well-being. The events reinforced the vision encapsulated within Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to establish the highest quality of life through active and healthy living.
Outside the borders of Qatar, the country’s diplomatic, consular, and representative mission personnel carried out engaging sports events across various nations. These activities were centered around the state's emphasis on sports to develop individuals and communities. Through their speeches, heads of missions conveyed the importance of sport as not merely physical activity but as integral to the health and well-being of the society they represent.
Meanwhile, QNB Group organized its own series of events emphasizing teamwork and fitness. One standout event was held at Sahat Al Nakheel, Msheireb Downtown Doha, featuring Paris Saint-Germain. Attendees of all ages had the chance to experience sport through unique offerings such as the mini-football golf course. Heba al-Tamimi, Senior Executive Vice President, QNB Group Communications, announced, "We aim to engage our employees and the community...that highlight the value of wellbeing and teamwork." This recognition of sports as fundamental to health was clearly evident throughout the day.
QNB's CSR team also focused on inclusivity, providing innovative and fun activities directed at children and young individuals with special needs, enhancing community spirit and athletic engagement. The positive interactions, coupled with shared experiences, highlight how sport can strengthen societal bonds and create lasting impacts on health.
The Sate of Qatar continues to underline its commitment to making sports accessible to all segments of the population. Each year, National Sport Day serves as both an invitation and encouragement for everyone to adopt healthy lifestyles, as well as to engage actively with the local community. Exercise and sporting activities become pivotal parts of Qatar's strategic push for health and fitness, ensuring the legacy of National Sport Day lives on.
By embedding sports deeply within society's framework, Qatar retains its unwavering focus on improving quality of life for its citizens, consistent with its vision for development. The symbolic and literal embrace of sports on this special day showcases the nation’s dedication to building healthier communities.