The whole of Qatar united to celebrate the benefits of sports and healthy living as part of the National Sport Day; the Qatar Football Family also joined forces to embrace the passion of football and the positive benefits that an active lifestyle provides.

The Qatar Football Association, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy and The Qatar Stars League organized an unforgettable event for staff and their families to promote and encourage healthy living. A large football festival was organized at Aspire, with a day packed full of events, activities, health checks and healthy eating.

Ladies enjoyed private facilities as they took part in classes such as yoga, zumba, pilates and many more tutor-led sessions, whilst the men played in a 5-a-side football tournament which was made up of 12 teams. Kids and families also enjoyed some amazing events, music played live by DJ’s, entertainment and activities from all around the world: sumo zorbs, slowest bikes races, family sack races, football obstacle courses, the Qatar Stars League Experience and inflatables, climbing walls, cardio fitness tests and much, much more.

Throughout the day, families took the opportunity to have blood pressure and health checks, whilst enjoying the delights of fruit smoothies and super healthy food as nutrition is a key factor to being in great shape and healthy.

Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, President, QFA said “By celebrating National Sport Day Qatar is setting an example for the region and the world in promoting sports and encouraging the community to practice it throughout the year, sports isn’t only a one day celebration it is a lifestyle that we should adopt in order to have a healthy and productive community, especially here in Qatar where we have a relatively young population.”

Hassan Al-Thawadi, Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy went on to say ”Sport Day, which we celebrated for the fourth consecutive year, reflects the importance of sports for Qatar on both official and public levels. It provides an opportunity to inspire people from all ages to adopt healthy lifestyles and to introduce them to the different types of sports, which they can practice all year long.”

He added, “It is also important to us to promote family and bonding, so we decided to embrace this opportunity to share the experience with all staff and their families. We are happy to be part of celebrating this day with the Qatari Football Family. Promoting healthy lifestyles and developing sports is a key aspect of the legacy that we want the FIFA World Cup in 2022 to leave for Qatar and the region. I take this opportunity to congratulate the winning teams and all participants in the sports day football tournament organized by the Qatari football family.” 

Mr Hani Ballan, the CE of the Qatar Stars League was as equally positive and thrilled with the event: “Sport day is an exceptional occasion where the whole family meets to practice sports in a fun and festive atmosphere, it provides an optimum opportunity to look back at our lifestyle and the lifestyle we teach to our children and the impact on our health and the health of younger generations.”

He added, “It has been a great day today and we are happy to be part of the Qatari Football Family sport day celebrations, because getting people to practice sports and adopt healthy life styles won’t only benefit them but it will also raise the level in performance in various sports, including football, and that is what we all are working to achieve.”