DOHA: As the country marks National Sport Day (NSD) today, the Minister of Public Health H E Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari has urged people to engage in sport and healthy lifestyle to avoid diseases and lead a quality life.
The Minister stressed that the positive development of physical activity is a necessity to overcome physical, psychological and behavioural problems and is crucial for the health and professional development of individuals.
She pointed out that the leadership of the country had a head start among other nations of the world by allocating a day for sports at the state level, recognising that sport is an essential component for a healthy living.
The Ministry is organising a programme including a walk with participation of employees from the Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), and Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), under one umbrella for the first time “The Ministry of Public Health”.
More than 200 events and activities are being organised at various locations to celebrate the NationalSport Day today. Katara, one of the main NSD hubs, will see over 80 events and activities taking place at the Esplanade and on the beach from 8am till 10pm.
Fifty government entities and 17 sports clubs are organising the events ranging from marine and aerial activities to games such as basketball, soccer and beach handball. There will also be free medical screening and health tips as well as sport workshops for various ages.
Sport film screenings and exhibitions are also among Katara’s other activities.
A healthy food market offering choices of organic and healthy food is in addition to a sport village which provides sport activities and entertainment for children are also among the features at Katara’s celebration under the slogan “Be the Champion.”
Qatar Foundation is also organising over 60 events at the Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Student Centre and the newly opened Oxygen Park from 9am to 4pm.
They include competitions and tournaments the highlight of which will be the annual 3km walkathon, hosted by Sidra Medical and Research Centre. The Oxygen Park will host pony rides, Crossfit, zumba and boxercise classes and a beach volleyball tournament.
Bowling, table tennis, volleyball, basketball, football, traditional games, and group fitness classes will be among the activities at the HBKU Student Centre.
Nineteen companies are celebrating NSD at the Aspire Zone with a number of events and activities. Aspire is also hosting its own activities for the entire family including Fun Run, family bike and 5,000 steps journey. In addition, there will also be activities for men as well as those exclusively for ladies.
People who prefer to spend the day on the Corniche would be able to witness sailing, water skiing, weightlifting, handball and mini golf from 9am till 9pm.
There will also be events happening at the Museum of Islamic Art Park, The Pearl Qatar and Asian Town. Youth centres and sport clubs all over the country are also organising their own activities.
The Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Developmental Planning and Statistics have completed preparations for National Sport Day.
Aspire Zone Park will be the venue for the events of both ministries. The programme includes football, ping pong and billiards, and a family section for children to compete in sporting activities.
Employees of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, Qatar Football Association and Qatar Stars League will also take part in activities across Qatar.
The three entities will join forces to provide an exciting and family friendly day of activities at Aspire Zone, with a staff five-a-side football tournament, sumo soccer and zorb races.
At a football family skill zone, families can show off skills while a quick reaction challenge will see participants target illuminated lights to test their reaction times and a climbing wall.
There will also be a dedicated zone to keep children active and engaged while parents or other family members take part in nearby activities.
Activities in the kids zone include skipping and hula hoop, a giant puzzle, face painting, henna, sack racing and a play area to catch up on drawing skills. There will also be music, a popular MC and a bean bag chillout zone where participants can rest.
The Peninsula
