POSTED: 2012-02-02 03:02:02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAURA WALDEN / Sports Features Communications
TAMPA: The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) is getting ready to observe the first National Sports Day on February 14 that will see all public sports facilities in the nation open their doors to the public. The initiative further drives home the country’s dedication to providing sports and wellness.
HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Heir Apparent and President of the QOC, launched the official decree that will include the participation of every government and non-government institution. It will take place the second Tuesday of February each year as a public sports day.
Sheikh Saoud bin Abdelrahman Al-Thani, QOC General Secretary, said, “There has been a huge response from public and private bodies to organise events for the public to take part in right across Qatar.
“Every Government ministry will be involved as well as many non-government organisations and their employees.
“We are organising a wide range of events including public marathons and walkathons, and every sports club in Qatar will open their doors to the public from 7am until 8pm for free so people can try a range of sports for the first time.
“This important initiative will help to further embed sporting values into the nation’s culture and inspire local people to participate in sports activities.”
The ceo of Doha 2020, Noora Al Mannai, noted, “Qatar is one of the very few countries in the world to dedicate a specific day as a public holiday for the practice and promotion of sport.
“This important initiative reflects the national vision to bring communities together through sport and encourage them to live more physically active lives.”
Qatar will be hosting several international high profile events this month namely the Qatar Total Open Women’s Tennis Championships (a WTA Premier Event), the Qatar Sailing Open Championships, the 16th International Junior Table-tennis Championships, the 2012 Qatar Fencing Grand Prix and the Qatar Masters (part of the European PGA Tour).
Doha is in the 2020 bid race to host the summer Games running against Baku, Istanbul, Madrid, Rome, and Tokyo. The final decision will be voted on September 7, 2013 at the IOC session to be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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