Thousands take part in National Sport Day celebrations at Aspire Zone
Doha: Aspire Zone Foundation proved once again why it is the destination of choice for celebrating National Sport Day as huge crowds visited Aspire Zone to take part in the large number of activities.
VIPs, officials and dignitaries including HH Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Minister of Sport and Culture HE Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali and HE Hassan Al Thawadi, the Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy joined senior figures from Aspire Zone Foundation including Aspire Zone Foundation President Hilal Al Kuwari, CEO Mohammad Khalifa Al Suwaidi Aspire Logistics Director General Abdullah Nasser Al Naemi in the celebrations. Khalid Ali Al Mawlawi, Chief Administrative Officer at Aspetar, Dr. Scott Gillogly, Chief Medical Officer at Aspetar and Badr Al-Hay, Director of Education and Student Affairs at Aspire Academy were also present on the occasion.
Commenting on National Sport Day, Sheikh Joaan, who is the President of Qatar Olympic Committee, said: “We are proud that Qatar is the first country in the Middle East to dedicate a public holiday to National Sport Day. This year, the Qatar Olympic Committee has organised 72 sporting activities around Qatar for all ages and abilities as part of our vision and commitment to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate in sport. Once again, National Sport Day has provided a unique platform to inspire and unite our nation through sport and share the Olympic spirit in one place.”
Ghanem Al Ali added: “National Sport Day was a great idea and people’s commitment to it has exceeded our expectations. Today, Qatar is an exemplary country in community sporting activities for national and expat community members of all ages and physical capabilities.”
Meanwhile, Al Suwaidi said the completion of the iconic World Cup venue was the main speciality in this year’s celebration.
“Our National Sport Day celebrations have been improving every year for the last seven years. The difference this year especially for us in Aspire Zone Foundation is that we have this iconic building behind you – Khalifa International Stadium, which launched just a few months ago. And this makes a difference. The range of activities and the opportunities we’re making available to the public is also growing.”
Commenting on SC’s participation in National Sport Day activities, Al Thawadi said: “Aspire Zone is the natural choice for us to celebrate National Sport Day. So many members of the country’s sporting family are here and we’re delighted to join them in building a lasting legacy of sporting participation and to encourage as many people as possible to adopt active, healthy lifestyles.
The officials were joined by employees from many of the country’s big private and public sector entities in celebrating the National Sports Day. These included: the Qatar Olympic Committee, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, the National Human Rights Committee, Q-Post, Muntajat, Qatar Primary Materials Company, Qatar Charity, Alrayyan TV, Racing and Equestrian Club, Dolphin Energy, Sports Corner, Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Company – Nissan Qatar, Alfardan, ENSRV Group, Behavioral Healthcare Center, Kids Academy, Al Jameel Medical Center and Gulf Laboratory & Radiology, Ideal Solutions – Qatar & UK, KEO International Consultants, AZADEA, North Oil, Siemens and ASTAD.
The Qatar Olympic Committee’s “Al-Adaam Village” played host to some of Qatar’s best athletes who participated in more than 14 different sports. These included gymnastics, athletics, fencing, weightlifting, boxing, wrestling, judo, taekwondo, basketball, tennis, sailing, kayaking, squash, volleyball, indoor hockey, cricket, and table tennis.
