Newspapers Highlight Importance of National Sport Day

Doha, February 08 (QNA) - In their Tuesday editorials, Qatari newspapers highlighted the State of Qatar's celebration of the 11th National Sport Day, under the slogan "Sports is Life", which comes as an affirmation of the wise leadership's belief that sport is a major factor in building both Qatari citizens and residents. The newspapers unanimously agreed that ten years after the launch of this annually event, a lot has been achieved, most notably the raising awareness of the importance of sport in individuals' lives and society, which appeared in the increase in the number of sports practitioners of different ages and groups in public parks and gyms. For its part, Al-Sharq newspaper, in its editorial, said that the state's interest in sports is to make it a lifestyle throughout the year for its health, physical and psychological benefits and its direct role in contributing to building a healthy society capable of creativity, innovation, excellence and production in accordance with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Al-Sharq stated that the participation in the Sport Day represents a high awareness of the great role of sport in establishing a strong and cohesive society capable of participating effectively in the comprehensive renaissance process that the country is witnessing in all fields. Sport Day this year is an exceptional day because it coincides with the year of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as the country's preparations for the largest global sporting event have been completed with an integrated sports infrastructure and unique World Cup stadiums, the paper said, adding that 2022 will witness the State of Qatar turning into green squares and a huge sports stadium that accommodates everyone. Al-Sharq concluded its editorial by saying that this year's celebrations came and the whole world is witnessing accelerating waves of COVID-19 pandemic; therefore, the state has taken the necessary measures for the participation of all segments of society in various sports activities in a healthy and safe environment, as the competent authorities and the Ministry of Public Health have developed a comprehensive health protocol to protect all individuals from the risk of infection with Coronavirus. In its editorial, Al-Watan newspaper said that Qatar celebrates the Sport Day to express the importance of dedicating a day for sports in the country. There were many achievements since the inception of the National Sport Day ten years ago, including raising awareness of the importance of sports in the lives of individuals and society, which was clear in the increase in the number of sports practitioners of different ages. The newspaper praised the infrastructure established by the State and the facilities of the World Cup, which made Qatar a great space for sports. It explained that this special day enhances self-confidence and interaction with others through participation in sports. Al-Watan stressed that the importance of organizing the Sport Day in the State of Qatar every year lies in raising the position of sport, with its moral and human values, in addition to the health benefits, and increasing awareness of citizens and residents about the importance of sports in daily life. Al-Watan concluded by pointing out that the State of Qatar celebrated the National Sport Day for the first time in Feb. 2012 after the Amir Resolution No. (80) for 2011 was issues. The Resolution stated that the Tuesday of the second week of February will be a National Sport Day with paid leave. The day is celebrated with ministries and government agencies and sports public bodies and institutions organizing sports events to raise awareness of the importance of sports and its role in the lives of individuals and societies. For its part, Qatari English-language newspaper The Peninsula stressed that the 11th edition of Qatar's National Sport Day marks a significant milestone in the country's drive towards a sustainable and healthy society. The paper said in its Tuesday editorial that the first National Sport Day was held in 2012, in which sports of all kinds were practiced in a unique initiative to Qatar, noting that Qatar National Vision 2030 clearly states its ambition to promote a physically and mentally healthy population. Sport has become a necessity in the lives of individuals, the newspaper said, adding that it is no longer a form of entertainment, and as a result, the Sport Day provides an appropriate platform to educate the community to participate in physical activities and a healthy diet. During this day, the ministries, other government agencies, and public bodies and institutions organize events to increase awareness of the importance of sport and its role in the lives of individuals and societies, the paper said, adding that Sport Day is gaining great interest among citizens and residents, thanks to the world-class sports infrastructure across the country, including cycling paths, greens parks, and others.