Sheikha Moza leads Sport Day events at Qatar Foundation

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), participated in QF’s National Sport Day activities at Education City on Tuesday.

The programme kicked off with a 2km Walkathon around Education City in which Sheikh Moza participated along with a number of dignitaries including HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, president of the Qatar Olympic Committee, HE Minister of Energy and Industry Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada, HE the Minister of State Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari, and ExxonMobil Qatar president Alistair Routledge.After the walkathon, Sheikha Moza visited several stations at the Education City that had a number of physical activities. She also interacted with children and other participants and encouraged everyone to take part in the sporting events.Sheikha Moza poses for a selfie with a young participant. PICTURE: Aisha al-Musallam/ HHOPLThe start of the cycling event.Since early morning, a large number of people from various walks of life had assembled at venues across the Education City. Events were held at the Recreation Centre, Oxygen Park, Ceremonial Court, Green Spine as well as Al Shaqab. As the day progressed, the number of participants swelled into thousands with everyone engaging in activities at each venue.The walkathon was followed by a 40km Cycle and a 50km Ultra Marathon, which started from the Ceremonial Court. Additionally, visitors to Al Shaqab enjoyed a day of high-energy pursuits, under the title ‘The Challenge’, where participants competed in a series of challenging physical activities that tested skills such as strength, strategy, balance, concentration, and competition. Machaille al-Naimi, president of Community Development, QF, said, “QF’s celebrations, which are designed to cater for all ages and athletic abilities, are part of a wider, year-round, and community-inspired campaign, aimed at fostering a socially-engaged society and promoting the physical and mental well-being of all.”A range of activities also took place at QF’s Oxygen Park, including football, treasure hunts, jump rope, beach tennis, pony riding, and a selection of fun children’s activities. Families with young children also enjoyed games and sports at the QF Recreation Centre, such as swimming for children with autism, goal ball – a football activity for the blind, as well as a gymnastics and trampoline display, a squash tournament, slalom football, and blindfolded football designed to raise awareness about loss of vision. Furthermore, a range of ladies-only activities were held at the Education City Student Centre, and at Al Shaqab during the afternoon. Outdoor games and activities also took place on the Green Spine and at the Ceremonial Court throughout the day.Mayan Zebeib, chief communications officer, QF, said, “As a leading agent of change in Qatar, QF actively participates and supports national initiatives such as National Sport Day. We’re delighted to welcome so many people to Education City today to share our celebrations.” A number of students from the Doha Centre for Media Freedom attended QF’s day-long event to practise reporting and to interact with participants of the events.Speaking at the start line of the Ultra Marathon event, Qatari athlete Salman al-Khanji said,“I’m very excited to be taking part in today’s event. I did a two-week walk around all of Qatar last year and I hope to run the full 50km today. This is a wonderful event and I’m very thankful to Qatar Foundation for staging it.”Noora Almarri, a Qatari mother who attended with her family, said, “I’m here with my children and brother today, and each of us is looking forward to taking part in different activities. My children are excited about the treasure hunt and pony rides at Oxygen Park. I’ve always wanted to try Zumba, and I think this is the perfect day to do it.”