The Qatar Stars League (QSL) has signed a co-operation agreement with HMC’s Tobacco Control Center for two seasons (2019-20 & 2020-21) for its three tournaments — QNB Stars League, Ooredoo Cup and Qatar Cup.

The agreement with Tobacco Control Center comes in line with the QSL’s keenness to build strong and constructive partnerships with many active community institutions as part of Corporate Social Responsibility.

The HMC Tobacco Control Center, located in the Hamad bin Khalifa Medical City, collaborates with the World Health Organisation and offers support and treatment to those who want to kick the habit. The center also educates the wider public and healthcare workers about its risks.

The co-operation aims to use all means available at the QSL and through football to deliver special messages to combat the menace and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Ahmad Al Mulla, Director of the HMC Tobacco Control Center/WHO Collaborative Center, said, “The Tobacco Control Center at Hamad Medical Corporation is pleased to be partnering the QSL and we thank them for the opportunity to highlight the importance of quitting smoking. The facts are that smoking causes both immediate and long-standing effects on exercise and physical activity. Smokers’ increased risks for cancer and heart and respiratory diseases are well-known. It can also have long-term effects for those engaging in sport and physical activity. Smokers have less physical endurance, poorer physical performance and increased rates of injury and complications. With Qatar 2022 on the near horizon, through this partnership we’ll be able to promote the health benefits of quitting smoking to a wide audience, especially young people in Qatar, as well as support more people who want to give up smoking.”

On his part, QSL CEO Mr. Hani Taleb Ballan said, “We would like to express our happiness in our co-operation with the Tobacco Control Center, which has preventive and therapeutic goals, and spreads distinctive messages aimed at providing advice and guidance on the damage of smoking. As part of our social responsibility, we’re pleased and proud to co-operate with the center.”