Education City launches diverse sporting events to welcome NSD

Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Education City has launched diverse sporting events while preparing for National Sport Day and continuing its mission to establish itself as an inclusive hub of sports and a centre for activity for people of all ages and skill levels.Education City is becoming home to a range of sporting opportunities for individuals and teams, alongside advanced facilities for avid sportspeople, and green spaces for all members of Qatar’s community to enjoy.While addressing a press conference, Mashal Shahbik, director of Events and Protocol said QF is committed to providing diverse and inclusive sports opportunities through its facilities and initiatives in alignment with Qatar’s vision of fostering a healthy and active society. "Education City has become a leading sports destination, offering daily programmes and activities that cater to everyone, from beginners to professionals, while ensuring accessible facilities that promote the inclusion of people with disabilities. QF also places significant focus on advancing women’s sports by offering dedicated spaces, programmes, and opportunities exclusively for women. Education City Stadium now serves as a hub for women’s and girls' sports and fitness activities, creating a space for them to connect, engage in various activities, and to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle,” she said.She invited everyone to take part in the exciting range of activities at Education City. "This year’s programme will feature three key races: a running race, a triathlon, and mountain bike races, with different distances and levels to accommodate all participants. We are grateful to our partners for their collaboration in organising these events."With daily programmes that are suitable for professionals and beginners, people are invited to join Education City’s sports clubs, fitness classes, and training programmes along with the option to book courts, halls and pools for enjoying hobbies with family and friends. Class schedules and training programme timings can be accessed through the Education City app – available to download for free at the Apple Store and Google Play – or by visiting www.educationcity.qa.Focusing on inclusivity, Education City offers facilities accessible for people with disabilities, dedicated spaces for women, and training programmes for children and youth to discover and develop their athletic talents. These include paths for walking, running and cycling, as well as spaces such as Oxygen Park and Qur’anic Botanic Garden, providing families with a relaxing escape from the whirl of everyday life.Preparations are also underway for Qatar’s National Sport Day on February 11, 2025, when Education City will host three main competitions: the Education City Race, with distances of 10km, 5km, and 3km for adults, and 3km and 800m for children; along with the Education City Triathlon, which combines elements of fun and challenge and includes three sports – swimming, cycling, and running. There will also be the Education City Mountain Bike Trail Races, featuring a 15km race and a 5km race.In addition to the three main races, the day will include sporting activities suitable for all ages and levels, and early registration can be completed through the Education City app. More information about National Sport Day 2025 at Education City can be found at www.educationcity.qa/nsd and this will be continually updated in the run-up to the day.Meanwhile, the Education City Stadium has become a hub for women's and girls' sports, hosting a weekly Ladies Night every Tuesday over the coming months from 5-9 pm featuring participation from up to 20 partner organisations and attracting around 1,200 participants each week.In collaboration with Qatar Sports for All Federation, Education City Stadium is set to host a series of women's community running races catering to different ages and skill levels, with four rounds scheduled for November and December starting from November 2."In Qatar Foundation Schools, we believe that access and exposure to sports from a young age plays a crucial role in shaping young minds and fostering a love for physical activity. Through our opportunities, we foster an environment where every student, from beginners to aspiring and practising national champions can develop their skills and build confidence, creating a strong foundation for the future,” said Abdallah Shaheen al-Kaabi, head of Sports Affairs at QF’s Pre-University Education."Qatar National Sport Day has always presented itself as the perfect backdrop for our students to showcase all the hard work that they put into exploring, mastering and excelling within a wide range of sports, through our offerings like our Qatar Foundation School Sports Association activities that take place across the academic year,” al-Kaabi added.