DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani joined citizens and residents in the celebration of the fourth National Sport Day (NSD) yesterday.
Visiting the Qatar Sport Federation for Special Needs in Al Duhail, the Emir witnessed the sports activities of federation members as well Asian Games champions. Emir’s participation comes as an encouragement for the different segments of society to exercise and make sport part of their lifestyle. The Father Emir
H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani accompanied by H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani and a number of Sheikhs and ministers joined a walkathon on Al Refaa Street.
Father Emir and H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser attended some events held by Qatar Foundation in Education City. They also saw activities such as table tennis for people with special needs, basketball, sack race and tug-of-war.
H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, Chairperson, Qatar Museums Authority Board of Trustees, took part in activities in Museum of Islamic Art Park.
Various venues allocated for the biggest National Sport Day celebration were packed with people despite the dusty weather which lasted throughout the day.
A total of 208 government and private entities organised activities at venues, including Katara, Aspire Zone, the Corniche and Qatar Foundation (QF).
People in large numbers thronged the Corniche for the Corniche Walk which started at 9am, after which walkers proceeded to Qatar Olympic Committee’s Sport Village where over 10 national federations offered activities and entertainment for every age and fitness level.
Athletes, including captain of Qatar’s 2014 World Championship winning 3x3 basketball team, Yassin Ismail Musa, captain of the volleyball team, Mubarak Dahi, top football player, Mansour Muftah, and 2006 Asian Footballer of the Year, Ibrahim Khalfan, interacted with visitors.
“One of the biggest days of the year has arrived and we are excited to celebrate our nation’s passion for sports while encouraging a healthier and more active future. The presence of so many of our best athletes here shows how important the day is to everyone in Qatar.
“It is fantastic to see the public interact with athletes and take part in activities. We hope that today has helped inspire some of future sporting heroes and, more importantly, inspire more young people to make sports an integral part of their lives whatever their level and ambitions,” said QOC Secretary-General Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
Hundreds also joined in QF’s activities highlighted by the walkathon through Education City under the theme ‘Unlock Your Inner Athlete’, in which each stage of the route included educational activities to inspire people to lead active lifestyles.
Activities were also held at the Pearl-Qatar, in Al Rayyan, Mesaimeer, Al Markhiya, Al Gharrafa, Salwa Road, Al Khor, Al Wakrah, Umm Salal and Al Shahaniya.
The Peninsula
