Doha: Qatar University Young Scientists Center (QU-YSC) recently concluded activities of the 7th cycle of the Science in Sports programme for high school students.
This cycle is the beginning of the fruitful collaboration between the center and the Qatar Olympic Committee in integrating science in sports and spreading community sports. The competing groups presented new and innovative sports built and designed on scientific and innovative foundations.
Six groups of students from five secondary schools participated in the 7th cycle, namely Omar Bin Al Khattab Secondary School for Boys, Jassim Bin Hamad Secondary School for Boys, Al Zubara Secondary School for Boys, Bin Taymiyyah Secondary School for Boys, and Al Shaymaa Secondary School for Girls.
The activities focused on introducing students to the scientific and physical concepts that mainly affect sports and players’ performance and increasing their scientific expertise in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). This is in line with the directions and objectives of the QOC and QU. Athletes handball champion Maryam Al Suwaidi, equestrian champion Hamad Al Attiyah, and taekwondo champion Othman Boularas reflected on experiences that inspired them.
Lusail Stadium group Jassim bin Hamad Secondary School for Boys, Al Rayyan Stadium group from Jassim bin Hamad Secondary School for Boys, and Al Janoub Stadium group from the bin Taymiyyah Secondary School for Boys finished in the top three respectively in the Sports Innovation Challenge.
The Khalifa Stadium group from Al Zubarah Secondary School for Boys and the Al Bayt Stadium group from Al Shaymaa Secondary School for Girls were awarded the most committed participating group.
Prof. Noora Al Thani, Director of QU-YSC, expressed her happiness with the sports ideas presented by the students, which resulted from research, investigation, and scrutiny of innovative materials and tools that can be used in sports.
“What distinguishes the center’s programmes are integrating students into reality and the activities that attract them, such as sports. We always strive to create partnerships with entities that contribute to achieving the center’s visions and providing the best for the students,” she said. Prof. Noora thanked the QOC and the participating athletes for their support and being a key factor in motivating the students in the success of the 7th cycle. She also thanked the center’s partners, namely Unesco-Doha Office and the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science.
