Doha: London 2012 Paralympian Abdulrahman Abdulqader Abdulrahman (pictured) was announced the first official Ambassador for the National Sports Day (NSD), to be held on February 12.
Abdulrahman, who represented Qatar in shot put, discus throw and javelin throw at the Paralympic Games last summer, is among a group of elite athletes who pledged their support for NSD. As the leading Paralympian in the country, Abdulrahman’s presence is central to the main concept of the event – Sport is for All, offering an opportunity for personal development.
“In Athletics, you compete not only against your opponents but against your own personal records as well,” said Abdulrahman, who finished sixth out of 20 athletes in the discus throw in London. “Personal development is a key part of sport and can help everyone improve in every aspect in life. I hope the National Sports Day leads to many people embracing sports for life.”
Inviting all the population of Qatar to take part in the NSD, the London 2012 Paralympian highlighted the way sport helped him overcome the obstacles he faced in life.
“My disability does not prevent me from practising sports and achieve high performance levels, represent my country and raise the Qatar flag in international events. Furthermore, it encourages me to challenge the best athletes in the world and prove that even a disabled person can achieve better results than non-disabled people.”
The Ambassadors’ skill, spirit and commitment to sport embody the values of the NSD.
Meanwhile, Vodafone Qatar has signed up as a Platinum Sponsor of the Dolphin Energy Doha Dash, set to take place on February 12.
The Losail International Circuit will play host to the event in celebration of Qatar National Sports Day (NSD).
Vodafone is funding the participation of over 300 staff members.
To help its employees prepare for the run Vodafone will issue a weekly newsletter with training and nutrition tips and will hold an internal competition for employees, with its fastest employee to be awarded a prize on the day of the dash.
The event will include a 5km and 3km timed race, plus a ladies’ walk and the Vodafone sponsored 1km Mini Doha Dash.
Entry into the 1km mini dash is free for children and schools, clubs and individuals in Doha can register their children for the event.
“Vodafone is very supportive of Heir Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s initiative to promote sports and fitness in Qatar,” said Richard Daly, CEO of the company.
“We look forward to engaging the public and our own employees in the planned activities that will help to improve their health and fitness.”
All runners will receive an official race t-shirt and medal.
On the day, alongside title sponsors Dolphin Energy, Vodafone will be present in the Festival Village, situated in the pit garages at the circuit, and will be hosting a number of fun activities.
Event organisers, Professional Sports Group, are encouraging participants to bring their friends and family to watch.
Jamie Cunningham, CEO Of Professional Sports Group, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Vodafone Qatar on board as a Platinum Sponsor of the very first Dolphin Energy Doha Dash. “The event was designed to provide leading companies in Qatar with a turnkey solution for National Sport Day.
The Peninsula
