As Qatar celebrates the 2022 National Sport Day, several government agencies and the private sector have lined-up many activities.
This year’s theme ‘Sport is Life,’ emphasises the significance of a dedicated day to sports, especially on the 10th anniversary of the annual celebration.
Every second Tuesday of February is earmarked to commemorate the day across the country with several activities meant to strengthen awareness of a healthy lifestyle.
Sports teach us a lot of important life skills while also keeping us physically and mentally healthy. Maintaining a healthy level of physical activity and sports involvement offers several advantages, including improved cardiovascular fitness, bone health, reduced risk of obesity, better sleep, and coordination and balance.
According to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) estimate, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung disease, are collectively responsible for almost 70% of deaths worldwide.
The rise of NCDs has been driven by primarily four major risk factors: Tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of substances, and unhealthy diets. In the Gulf Corporation Council (GCC), a recent study revealed that overweight and obesity rates have nearly tripled over the past four decades.
Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality have been rising in parallel.
However, regular physical activity—such as walking, cycling, or dancing — has significant benefits for health. For instance, it can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis, help control weight, and promote mental well-being.
The National Sport Day ensures the public to take advantage of the mandatory day off to participate in different physical activities. This year’s celebration will be the first with people participating in large gatherings since the COVID-19 outbreak. However, no more than 15 vaccinated people are allowed in groups.
Qatar Foundation will host several events at Education City from 8am till 5pm. The activities are free of charge and open to the public upon prior registration.
This will coincide with the institutions car-free day. Activities include boxing, cycling, yoga, zumba and virtual activities like e-sports.
Also, KidZania Doha will hold BeaKtive starting this 8th of February until the 5th of March. Sports sessions will be organised for adults and kids at designated costs. The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum will celebrate the day online with a range of fun activities. Events will be held live on Instagram @321QOSM for free.
Qatar University will also host online events led by professional instructors, while several activities are lined up at Aspire Zone by communities and individuals. Other orgnaisation like hotels, gyms, and equestrian centers have also lined up activities for the day.
According to QNA, organizers are free to choose the venues for the events and take advantage of the sports facilities provided by the state including Aspire, Katara, Msheireb, Al Rayyan Gardens and Al Bidaa, in addition to all walking and running tracks and sports fields.
As one of the few countries with recognised day dedicated to sports, Qatar again shows its commitment to human development as stated in the Qatar National Vision 2030.
The activities of this day have contributed greatly to raising awareness of the importance of sport in the lives of individuals and society, by increasing the number of sports practitioners of different ages and age groups in public parks, gyms, walking and cycling tracks.
