The event was opened with a welcoming address by HE Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Jabor al-Thani, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the QCS, in which he stressed the keenness of the QCS to participate in the 'We Meet for Awareness' event for the second year in a row, which we consider an important step in enhancing community awareness about cancer and the importance of early detection.
QCS believes in the importance of effective partnerships with various institutions and entities to achieve our awareness message and enhance cancer prevention with the participation of all sections of society. We commend the awareness efforts made by the 'Hour and Hour' program in spreading awareness and promoting the culture of early screening, as awareness is our key to overcoming this disease. HE Sheikh Dr Khalid added, “We believe that science and sports are two important factors in confronting this disease, and the event showed how sports can be a means of strengthening the body and improving public health. In addition, we at the QCS are keen to support cancer patients and survivors, and we consider them a living model of hope and challenge.”
The 'Hour and Hour' program, in cooperation with the Qatar Cancer Society (QCS), organised the second edition of the 'We Meet for Awareness' event, as part of the celebration of World Cancer Day and in conjunction with the Qatar National Sports Day (QNSD), with the aim of raising... pic.twitter.com/B8aNw43Ag5
— Gulf Times (@GulfTimes_QATAR) February 19, 2025
Tamani al Yafei, CEO of the 'Hour and Hour' program, said that she was keen, by organising this event, to create a space for hope, celebrate success stories, and highlight scientific and technological efforts in combating the disease. She pointed out that the participation of an elite group of specialists, innovators, athletes, and survivors whose stories and messages embody the meanings of strength and resilience in the event, increased its richness and impact on the attendees.
Al-Yafei explained that the event received international participation through some embassies that attended and presented important messages of steadfastness and awareness. She stressed that 'Window of Hope' succeeded in achieving its awareness message, while emphasising the continuation of efforts to enhance the culture of early detection and prevention, and support patients and their families. She also thanked and expressed her appreciation to the Westin Doha Hotel for hosting the event and for granting the 'Hour and Hour' program the space in which the event was organised.
The event included many activities, most notably a documentary about the talents of cancer survivors, which reviewed inspiring success stories of creators in the fields of art, music, sports, and crafts. In addition to a discussion session titled 'We meet to raise awareness', moderated by journalist Sheikha al-Mannai, in which Nour Makkia - Health Educator at the QCS, Dr Muhammad Osama al-Homsi - 'Health Educator' at Hamad Medical Corporation, and Suad Walid al-Humaidi - Sports Affairs Researcher at the Women's Police Institute participated. The discussion shed light on the different types of cancer, the importance of early detection, and the latest medical treatments, in addition to the role of technology in spreading health awareness. The importance of sports for cancer patients was also discussed.
The event also saw on stage, students from Qatar Academy Al Khor who presented an innovative theatrical scene titled 'Sports is a Way of Life'. In addition to a plastic arts exhibition, which displayed inspiring paintings about cancer, an Arabic calligraphy exhibition, a handicrafts exhibition, an interactive corner: where visitors wrote messages of support for cancer patients. The Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum also provided a special corner for sports memorabilia. A health awareness corner with the participation of the Qatar Cancer Society, Hamad Medical Corporation, and the Primary Health Care Corporation, to provide free health consultations. The program also included a cultural competition “Think and Answer” presented by social media influencers Khalifa al-Haroun and Salman, with the aim of promoting health awareness in an interactive manner, with incentive prizes distributed to participants.
HE Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Jabor al-Thani, honoured the participating news outlets before the conclusion of the event.
