The Ministry of Transport and transportation sector entities today marked the National Sport Day 2024 with exciting sporting and recreational events for employees and their family members.

Themed,” Sport Is Sustainability”, the celebration was organized at Expo 2023 Doha in Al-Bida Park in conjunction with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA), Qatar Aeronautical College (QAC), Qatar Ports Management Company (Mwani Qatar), Qatar Navigation (Milaha), QTerminals, Qatar Rail, Mowasalat (Karwa), and the Hamad Port Project Steering Committee.

Today’s program was rich with multiple kids’ and adult activities such as walking, fitness exercises, and recreational competitions for all ages.

“The National Sport Day reflects our leadership’s vision for the importance of sport for building humans and a healthy, productive society that is capable of effectively contributing to the country’s development and progress, in line with the goals of the "QNV2023” said Minister of Transport H.E. Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti.

What is special in this year’s edition of the NSD, he added, is that it followed the very successful hosting of the Asian Football Cup (AFC 2023), which ended with crowning our national team.

Qatar’s exceptional success in hosting world and continental sports championships distinguished affirms the importance of our creative initiative in the field of sport and the international community’s faith in the country’s capabilities and world position in this area, the Minister said.

He also stressed on the Ministry’s interest in taking part in the National Sport Day along with transportation entities to raise awareness of the importance of sport and its key role for community development and welfare, and to promote the practice of sport amongst all people to become part of a healthier lifestyle.

Today’s events saw a large participation from senior officials and employees from the transportation industry and their family members, creating an excellent environment of high spirits and exuberance.

 

 

On this occasion, H.E. Sheikh Jabor Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Director General of the Qatar Aeronautical Academy, said “The State of Qatar is proud to celebrate Sports Day, which encourages sports, in its all forms, for all practicing nationals and residents, all groups and categories, and we are happy today to practice sports for all due to its utmost importance, and in line with “healthy mind is in healthy body” which enhance the role and status of sports in our life.”

“The athlete acquires healthy habits and means to prevent diseases to strengthen his immune system, and to introduce methods of preventing chronic diseases that may cause if he does not exercise sports.”

Mr. Mohamed Faleh Alhajri, in charge of managing the QCAA said that celebrating the National Sports Day every year, is an affirmation of the State of Qatar’s support for sports and to encourage all segments of society to practice it which is a vital part of the State’s interest in human development as stipulated in the Qatar National Vision 2030. It also clearly reflects the State’s constant endeavor to raise the level of health awareness in Qatari society, introducing them to healthy lifestyle methods, and working to establish and consolidate the concept of sport as part of the society and an essential part of our daily lives, due to its multiple benefits and positive effects and the countless health values and benefits it carries. National Sports Day also plays a prominent role in empowering and strengthening the bonds of social relations in our Qatari society through the distinguished events and various activities that are organized on this day.

Dedicating a day to sports has made our beloved country Qatar always the first to launch unique initiatives that reflect positively on all individuals and enhance the lifestyle in society by adopting a new healthy lifestyle. The State of Qatar's interest in sports was not limited to this point only, as we have witnessed over the past years its keenness and interest in sports at the global level as well, through its sponsorship of many significant sports events, and through the excellence demonstrated to the entire world in this field especially during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, in addition to hosting the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, which ended recently, he added.

Mwani Qatar’s CEO Capt. Abdulla Mohamed Al-Khanji, said “Qatar National Sports Day highlights the profound impact of sport on our society and our health and its role in instilling the values of teamwork, dedication, and perseverance in each one of us, which confirms the noble message that this day carries and the values that it calls for by spreading the culture of exercise to build a healthy society capable of dedication and contribution”.

“Today, as we engage in sporting activities alongside the transportation sector, we reiterate our dedication to fostering an active and well-rounded lifestyle among our employees and their families, while also striving to cultivate a culture of health and wellness among them.  By promoting physical activity and healthy competition, we not only enhance individual well-being but also strengthen the bonds that unite us as a team. This concerted effort contributes to our pursuit of the goals outlined in the Qatar National Vision 2030, transforming it from a vision into a reality”, he added.

“Mwani Qatar aims to integrate sports into the daily routine of its members, driven by its recognition of the significance of sports in boosting productivity, fostering mental development, and reinforcing bonds among employees. This initiative also serves to sustain the momentum of relationships within the company”, Al-Khanji stated.

On this occasion, Mr. Fahad Saad Al Qahtani, Mowasalat (Karwa) CEO, said " This is a unique edition of the Qatar National Sports Day as it follows significant achievements after the successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, which cements Qatar's position as a destination for major sporting tournaments. National Sports Day serves as a vital reminder of the significance of sports in enhancing our personal health and fostering a sense of unity within our society.  We are proud to participate in the Ministry of Transport’s organized events, which encourage our employees and their families to engage in physical activities. At Mowasalat, supporting a healthy and balanced lifestyle is a core part of our mission.  This positively influences the well-being of our staff, boosts their productivity, and contributes significantly to the attainment of the future Qatar National Vision."

Eng. Nabil Mohammed AlKhaldi, Hamad Port Project Executive Director, emphasized that the National Sports Day is a sporting event, in as much as sports are an approach and lifestyle to establish a healthy society.

This event comes every year to remind all ages and nationalities of the importance of continuing to practice sports and achieving the fruits of participation among the different segments of society in the beloved State of Qatar.

It is worth noting that the State of Qatar has been and still is a host to many international and regional sporting events, including the various tournaments hosts, such as the FIFA World Cup, the Asian Football Cup (AFC), the World Aquatics and Masters Championships, the Qatar Open Junior Squash Championship, the Asian Padel Championship, and the GCC Golf Championship.

Rather than that there is an increasing turnout that we witness year after year in the number of participants in the activities of the National Sports Day; We are proud with our continuous participation under the umbrella of the Ministry of Transport, he added.

On this occasion, Khalifa Hassan Al Jehani, Chief of Corporate Support of Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail), stated, 'We are pleased to participate in the Ministry of Transport's celebration of National Sports Day. This event, now in its thirteenth edition, holds significant importance for Qatar Rail, underscoring our belief in the significance of sports and physical activity in our lives and their positive impact on raising awareness and promoting a healthy lifestyle.'

'Our participation in this year's celebration under the Ministry of Transport's umbrella aligns with the growing public trust in our networks, particularly highlighting the key role played by the Doha Metro network in supporting the successful hosting of various sports events within Qatar. This is achieved through the metro's integral role in providing a successful transportation model during diverse sports events and facilitating the movement of individuals to various event areas and key destinations,' he added.

He continued, 'In line with our commitment to supporting Qatar's efforts to encourage individuals to adopt a healthy lifestyle, we reaffirm our dedication to continuing our support for the Ministry of Transport's and Qatar's positive initiatives in this regard. This is to enhance awareness of the importance of sports and to encourage everyone to engage in sports activities, making it a lifestyle choice for a healthy life.

Mr. Khalifa Hassan Al Jehani, Chief of Corporate Support at Qatar Railways company (Qatar Rail), said “We are pleased to join the Ministry of Transport in marking Qatar National Sports Day. Year after year, this occasion has played an integral role in raising awareness on sports and how it can transform people lives and encouraged them to be active throughout the year.”

He added: “In line of Qatar National Vision 2030 and specifically Human Development Pillar, Qatar Rail has adopted several programs to support employee’s health including regular sports gathering and work wellness program which focus on encouraging the adoption of a healthy and active lifestyle for a better well-being.”

Corporate Communications department at Milaha said: “Since the Amiri Resolution No (80) was issued in 2011. Milaha and other affiliated companies used to organize sports activities and participate regularly in the events of the National Sport Day. As health is a top priority for the government and to Milaha as well, we are so keen to involve our staff in Sport’s Day events by advising and guiding them to practice sport and increasing physical activities to promote their health and wellbeing to get rid of stress and work pressures”.