HH Sheikha Moza Participates in Sports Day Activities at Education City

Doha, February 09 (QNA) - HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF), on Tuesday participated in QF's National Sports Day celebrations at Education City. Qatar Foundation Vice Chairperson HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani also attended the festivities along with Qatar Olympic Committee President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani and HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al-Thani. Under the theme of "Unlock Your Inner Athlete," this year's event, which was held at Hamad bin Khalifa University's (HBKU) Student Center and the brand-new Oxygen Park, featured over 60 different activities designed to encourage healthier, more active lifestyles. The three-kilometer walkathon, hosted by Sidra Medical and Research Center, was one of the main activities of the event. HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser participated in it along with HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani, HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al-Thani, and a large crowd of nearly 10,000 of participants from all segments of the society who were given the opportunity to explore the Education City. "Qatar Foundation participates in National Sport Day every year in order to encourage its employees to play sports and adopt healthy, active lifestyles," said QF President Engineer Saad Al Muhannadi. "We strive to inspire members of the community to exercise daily, while aiming to educate individuals about the importance of playing sports all year-round." QF Administration Group Executive Director Mr. Fahad Al Qahtani added: "There is no doubt that National Sport Day is incredibly beneficial to both individuals and the wider community. This event promotes a strengthening sports culture in Qatar, and informs community members about the importance of living healthy lifestyles. Advanced countries are created by healthy citizens who are capable of actively serving their communities. Moreover, it is well-known that sports helps to increase productivity and creativity among employees a sound mind reflects a sound body." Engineer Jassim Telefat, group executive director of QF Capital Projects and Facilities Management, added: "Qatar is the first country in the world to dedicate an entire day to sport. This is something that we are very proud of, and it relays the message that Qatar's wise leadership considers the health of its citizen as a top priority. QF encourages its employees to adopt healthy lifestyles, as preserving the health of community members is key to building a nation capable of facing challenges, in-line with the Human Development Pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030." After the walkathon, participants were then free to partake in other activities, which ranged from volleyball, basketball, and football tournaments, to traditional games and group fitness classes. This included sports such as carrom, tug of war, Zumba and Crossfit, which catered to men, women, and children of all athletic abilities. In addition, events were held specifically for QF staff, as well as those with special needs, and ladies-only events were offered by both venues. The National Sports Day, which was launched in 2012, aims to encourage an active and healthy lifestyle in implementation of the human resources pillar in Qatar National Vision 2030. It also reflects QF's commitment to creating and shaping a healthy, physically active society, and dedication to serving the local community. (QNA)