The whole of Qatar turns into a huge sports field today as the country is celebrating the National Sport Day, the most important day in the country’s sports calendar. Into its seventh edition, the National Sport Day contributed substantially to the efforts for making the nation a healthy one.
All the government departments, private companies and offices - irrespective of being big or small – educational institutions, clubs, associations and all other entities join together in observing the day by organizing several activities for their staff and students.
The Emiri Decision No.80 of 2011, issued by Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, stipulated that the second Tuesday of every February shall be observed as Qatar National Sport Day. Since February 14, 2012, citizens and residents come out from their homes and workplaces to celebrate this day enthusiastically.
They engage in different sport activities at every available open place, whether it is the beautiful promenade of Doha Corniche, the iconic cultural village (Katara), Aspire Sports Zone or nearby parks. Over the years, it has become a special day for people from all walks of life, including the physically challenged to come together in one day to show their support for the government initiative, which very few countries celebrate.
A healthy nation is a wealthy nation. The National Sport Day had helped in bringing the youth from majlises and cafes to the playground. Sport is a means to achieve health standards and enjoyment as well. It is also a means to build a strong character and confidence, and thus it prepares the youth to be in a better position to meet the challenges in a tremendously competitive world.
Most importantly, sport is a means with immense potentials to resolve conflicts and to create cohesiveness in a society by promoting unity within a nation. When sport talents are discovered and developed to the highest level, it can serve as a bridge that fills the gap between societies and even nations. Most importantly, a high health standard translates into higher productivity and greater national prosperity.
But one should never forget that the remarkable aspect of sport is not its ability to improve fitness and burn calories, but its power to draw people of any ethnicity, any religious or political belief, into a world where rules are universally scripted and the only worry is whether your team will kick the winning goal.
Let us not stop with a single day of celebration, but make it an everyday affair. Sport will kindle the spirit of competitiveness; promote respect to rules, team spirit, confidence and physical well-being. Be sporty and be healthy.
