With the National Sport Day approaching, QatarDebate Centre, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, launched the opening session of the "Qatar Connects" programme to discuss sports issues in Qatar, with the participation of experts in the fields of fitness and sports, who outlined their personal experiences and achievements, highlighting the role of sports in improving the quality of life.
Moderated by the events and fan experience director at the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, Mead al-Emadi, the session witnessed wide interaction from participants, as it addressed Qatari youth initiatives in the field of sports, such as health clubs and sports events that inspired the public.
Participating in the session were Samla Endurance Race chief executive Azzam al-Mannai, fitness trainer Arwa al-Sulaiti, mountaineer and adventurer Fahad Badar, and Erada Fitness co-founder and CrossFit fitness trainer Jassim Moussa.
The participants highlighted the importance of sport in the development of society and the promotion of health and social culture, noting their personal achievements and the transformative power of sport in Qatar, and its role in promoting social cohesion and bringing together athletes from different cultures and age groups.
Al-Sulaiti said that sport is an essential element in achieving psychological and physical balance, helping to relieve stress and stimulating the body to secrete the hormone of happiness, which improves mood and strengthens immunity.
Badar said that sport instills determination, stressing that despite having suffered frostbite in 2021, he recovered and aspires to continue his passion in mountaineering, adding that sport is a continuous lifestyle that contributes to enhancing physical and mental health.
Moussa praised the sporting achievements achieved by Qatar, pointing out that it is one of the first countries to celebrate a national sports day, reflecting the interest of the wise leadership to consolidate the sports culture and encourage everyone to practice sports.
Al-Mannai spoke about the importance of the "Samla" endurance race in spreading sports awareness, explaining that the goal of the race is not only to win medals, but also to have a positive impact on the lives of participants, and to build a stimulating sports environment to support these practices.
He added that the next edition will witness higher levels of challenge, with expectations of unprecedented participation from Qatari youth.
At the end of the session, the participants underscored the need to integrate sports into daily life and promote physical activity in society, especially in light of the challenges of the digital age and the accompanying lifestyles with reduced mobility, which affects public health. – QNA
