National Sport Day: Qatar’s most energetic holiday

National Sport Day is that time of the year when sporting spirit in the residents reach fever pitch. Tomorrow, residents will roll up their sleeves and challenge their stamina and test their strength in various sports activities planned across the country. 

National Sport Day is the perfect opportunity for residents to break away from the routine of their daily lives, come together, and engage in enjoyable and challenging activities with colleagues, family, and friends.

Many organisations, including ministries, departments, public and private firms, have lined up series of sport activities that would make this day memorable for the residents in Qatar. Country’s top hotels have tonnes of offers planned around National Sport Day to get residents pumped up.

The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF), Qatar Foundation, and other organisations have announced exciting sports activities to make sure there is something for all ages to celebrate the country’s most energetic holiday. 

The enthusiasm of residents for the National Sport Day has pushed up sales of sport accessories in the country. Sport goods’ retailers say they are witnessing increased demand for sport goods.

“We have seen a strong demand for several sports related items. The sale of footballs and soft balls for cricket has risen sharply. Sale of T-shirts, caps and other sport accessories for kids have also jumped,” Marketing manager of a sports goods retailer told The Peninsula.

Malls, hotels, restaurants, showrooms have launched special offers and promotions so that residents can enjoy the day with family and friends. 

Residents are excited to participate in activities with their families. “This day is important for me. I am  eagerly waiting for the National Sport Day. Every year, I take my family to Aspire Park or any other place to enjoy sports activities,” said Vineet Jain, a resident of Ezdan Village 4.

Around 50 hotels will be offering special health and fitness packages to commemorate Qatar National Sport Day. The deals will be available at participating hotels until February 12.   

The promotions are designed to highlight the broad range of sport and wellness facilities that Qatar’s hospitality sector offers, while encouraging residents and visitors to adopt healthy lifestyles.

Offers include exclusive packages for families and individuals, such as free access to hotel gyms and spas, discounts of up to 50 percent on gym memberships, and complementary fitness classes. Foodies can also enjoy healthy buffets at special prices, while those seeking a staycation can avail a ‘bed-and-healthy-breakfast’ combo at attractive rates for the duration of the offer.

Ezdan Mall Company is organising energetic and engaging activities to celebrate National Sport Day at all Ezdan Malls (Al Gharaffa and Al Wakra). 

The events will include football, basketball, golf and running activities. The visitors and participants will also receive gifts during competitions. The celebration agenda aims at raising awareness of the importance of sports and building a healthy community which contributes strongly and effectively to the country’s development.

Qatar Foundation has designed several community programmes — from aspiring athletes and sports enthusiasts to those completely new to exercise — including obstacle course races, yoga sessions, full-body workouts, and sports tournaments to be held at the Ceremonial Court, the Green Spine, Oxygen Park, and Multaqa (Education City Student Center), starting at 8am.

Activities at Education City include the QF Race, which will see participants race through 17 obstacles in a test of speed, agility, strength, and endurance. Children will also be given a chance to try out a smaller version of the contest, the QF Mini Track, which is open to boys and girls aged 4-15 years.

Un1t will provide a variety of cardio, conditioning, and weightlifting sessions; Lululemon will offer yoga sessions; and PSG Football Academy Qatar will host a series of activities for children and families, while a series of sports tournaments — including basketball and volleyball — will be held throughout the day. 

The team from Dogpound, one of New York City’s most high-profile gyms, will also return this year with a full week of fitness activities, from yoga and meditation sessions to outdoor circuit trainings at Education City and in the desert, as well as a series of discussions.

Meanwhile, visitors to Education City can take a break from exercising to explore Torba Farmers Market at the Ceremonial Court, which will offer a variety of organically-grown produce, locally-prepared food and beverages, and sustainable products to the public.

At Katara Cultural Village, 54 public and private entities are organising different events and activities including a wide array of sports, medical checkups and health advice, activities for persons with special needs, air show, performances and marine competitions.

At Aspire Park, the activities are being organised by Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) and its member organisations: Aspire Academy, Aspetar, and Aspire Logistics and will include more than 20 unique events for all members of the community to enjoy. Moreover, AZF will host more than 18 entities participating in NSD celebrations.

Aspire Dome will host a variety of activities for families and friends, including running, hammer throwing, and plyometric challenges. Aspire Dome’s activities typically attract up to 2500 people because they offer such a diverse and rewarding set of challenges for all ages, increasing endurance, strength and flexibility. In addition, the Sports Science and Football Performance department at Aspire is organising several football related activities, including shooting, dribbling, fitness challenge, football matches and more. 

Sports Day events at Aspire Zone will witness activities dedicated to women and girls only in an atmosphere of complete privacy. Ladies-only activities include badminton and basketball in the Multipurpose Hall (2) at Aspire Dome from 10:30am to 3pm.

Ooredoo will celebrate National Sport Day with an active day-out at MIA Park and with a host of exciting promotions. 

The company will be offering a wide range of activities in the Park from 8am until 5pm on February 11. More than 45 activities suitable for all ages and abilities will be available, from handball, volleyball and basketball to martial arts and more. There will also be group activities on the main stage including aerobics, boot camp and a whole host of other exciting activities for all the family. 

Ooredoo has announced 2020 National Sport Day Quiz promotion. Customers can track steps with the Ooredoo App and reach 10,000 to get 2020MB data absolutely free, and a QR69 voucher to be used at Sports Corner on a spend of QR299 in one transaction.  The special 2020 National Sport Day barcode will be hidden in MIA Park; customers can find it and scan it to receive 500 Nojoom points absolutely free. 

Commenting about the National Sport Day activities, Manar Khalifa Al-Muraikhi, Director PR and Corporate Communications at Ooredoo, said “We are looking forward to celebrating National Sport Day with as many Doha citizens and residents as possible, and to enjoying a great day of fun fitness activities for all the family. And, of course, we’re delighted to be offering special promotions in honour of the occasion, so our customers can enjoy great benefits.”

Doha Festival City is celebrating the National Sport Day throughout the whole month of February. Moreover, Doha Festival City retailers are also offering many promotions and discounts, while some are hosting special activities during the month. 

Mirqab Mall will host a massive Human Foosball activation in the food court location, free yoga and Zumba classes, as well as a pop-up soft-play obstacle course area where children can test their physical skills alongside a vast bootcamp obstacle course for children to showcase their dexterity.

Healthy dining is another promotional focus of Mirqab Mall on National Sports Day. From specialty fresh juices at Ladies & Gents Caffe on the mezzanine floor to the refreshing favourites of Lokmana on the ground floor, the Mall hosts an array of dining offerings, where healthy eating is encouraged, and meals are cooked to the highest standards.

As seen on Peninsula Qatar  Image Credits Peninsula Qatar