Twelve years on, the National Sport Day (NSD) goals still resonate as Qatar promotes a healthy lifestyle, translating into an active and healthy population and workforce. Sports form an essential aspect of life, for they play a vital role in bringing about a nation’s physical, mental, and social growth.
This year’s NSD is celebrated today under the slogan ‘The Choice is Yours.’ Sports and health go hand in hand, offering people of different abilities and ages the chance for happier, healthier and more productive lives. The slogan covers many values and focuses on the goals of community sports through the individual’s decision to exercise for a healthy, sound and happy life.
The 12th edition of the Sport Day presents a unique situation as Qatar celebrates this annual day following the historic hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The State Sport Day Committee’s has announced a significant increase in events and activities designated for this years’ edition, which it says embodies the expansion of venues for events and activities with the sports facilities, stadiums and parks that have become available after the World Cup.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), regular physical activity helps prevent and treat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and breast and colon cancer. It also helps prevent hypertension, overweight and obesity and can improve mental health, quality of life and well-being.
Despite the numerous benefits, much of the world is becoming less active. As countries develop economically, levels of inactivity increase. In some countries, these levels can be as high as 70% due to changing transport patterns, increased use of technology, cultural values and urbanisation.
National Sport Day in Qatar aims to defeat inactive and sedentary lifestyles by creating awareness to encourage physical activities and a healthy diet.
Besides the adults and workforce, the NSD also introduces children to learn about ethics, responsibility, trust, and morality. Research shows that more young children are becoming obese, a considerable public health concern.
A person can deal with all the twists and turns of life more gracefully if they have a spirit of sportsmanship. They will have positive values and a positive outlook, making them less likely to succumb to social ills. Research shows that students involved in sports have higher grades and more self-confidence and graduate faster.
Qatar is a pioneer in organising a day for sports, and many countries have tapped into this for a sustainable healthy lifestyle for their populace.
