Sixth edition of Qatar National Sport Day kicks off

The sixth edition of Qatar National Sport Day kicked off on Tuesday. The event is held on the second Tuesday of February every year in compliance with an Emiri decision. The event aims to raise awareness on the importance of a healthy lifestyle. A host of sports activities are available for the public to take part in. Among them are cycling, swimming, football, basketball, tennis, taekwondo, and others. A total of 151 events from 135 institutions are taking place this year. The events happen in different areas of the country. Most events are taking place at Katara and Aspire Zone, which are hosting 59 and 37 events respectively. The Qatari Olympic Committee (QOC) is particularly active today and is keen on having all its sports associations open their doors to the public. QOC is aiming to make Qatar a big sports field today. The day is also a public holiday, allowing people to take part in any of the events. The first National Sport Day took place in Qatar in February 2012, one year after Emiri Decision No. 80 of 2011 on December 6, 2011, stipulating that the second Tuesday of February every year shall be observed as the National Sport Day. Qatar is the first country in the world that dedicates one day for its citizens and residents to celebrate sports and promote a healthy lifestyle. This inspired many international organisations to follow Qatar's lead; the United Nations recently adopted that April 6 of every year shall be observed as sports day. The EU has also decided to launch a sports day for its member countries.