HH Sheikha Moza was joined by HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO, QF as well as other senior officials of QF as thousands attended the day long activities.
Sheikha Moza interacted with a number of attendees; went around the places of activities and encouraged the participants despite the strong chilly winds. The sport day was an occasion for thousands of attendees to exercise, play sport and learn about healthy living in an inclusive and welcoming environment.
The event was formally kicked off with a cycling tour around the Education City , though several other activities have been taking place right from early morning. The major activities included obstacle course, yoga, full-body workout as well as several other physical activities. Torba Farmers Market, at the Ceremonial Court, offering a variety of organically-grown produce, locally-prepared food and beverages and sustainable products to the public, was another attraction at the event.
Machaille al-Naimi, president of Community Development, QF, said, “Our aim is to effect positive change in society, and we believe this can be done through education, sharing knowledge, and providing inclusive opportunities for everyone. This includes the chance to enjoy sport and physical activity, and to join together as a community in building a healthier, more active nation.
“Our National Sport Day celebrations reflect this commitment. Open to everyone, our activities aim to foster social engagement while showcasing the opportunities within Education City that people of all ages, cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and interests – can enjoy.”
Hamad al-Dosari, one of the participants in QF`s activities, said that Education City is the ideal destination. “This year, I wanted to participate once again in QF`s events because they are well-organised and very diverse,” he said.
“Today, I participated in the QF Race for the second time. It’s a serious race and measures the competitors' abilities and endurance levels. This year, I did better than before, which made me very happy."
"This is a pretty neat concept," said Bob Kelly from Lincoln, Nebraska, who brought his wife and two children to the festivities in Education City. "I think more countries should try this. It gets people out doing physical activity. I would compare it to July 4 in America, which is a day when everyone goes out to the beach or the mountains."
A key focus of this year’s activities included offering a range of ability-friendly activities, with offerings, from football and goalball to chess.
Yasmeen Tebroon from Tunisia visited QF with her daughter Sarai, who is blind due to albinism in her eyes. She participated in the disability friendly games on the green spine, and Yasmeen said, “My daughter was thrilled to take part in these activities today.
“The fact that such events are organised on such a large scale shows how inclusive QF is. Look at the turnout today, despite the wind. The number of people with different needs who have come here today clearly shows that they have come to associate QF with such initiatives.
“And we weren’t disappointed - she played football, she shot hoops. I’m just grateful to live in a country where the leadership makes people like my daughter feel included as much as those without any disability.”
Vodafone Qatar was the platinum sponsor of QF’s National Sport Day activities.
