Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Public Health, alongside Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) have organised a series of special events today to mark National Sport Day at Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City.
In addition to various activities, the Ministry and its partners also arranged a walkathon to commemorate the occasion, with the participation of His Excellency Mansoor Bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud, Minister of Public Health.
Several senior officials and employees from the healthcare sector also took part in the activities.
His Excellency Mansoor Bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud, Minister of Public Health, emphasised the great significance of National Sport Day, which reflects the wise leadership of His Highness The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in prioritising the health of Qatari community. Dedicating a day to sport fosters a culture of health and well-being, making physical activity a natural part of everyday life.
His Excellency added, “National Sport Day also aligns with our national strategies and Qatar National Vision. The National Health Strategy prioritises improving population health and well-being by fostering a shift in behaviours towards greater health awareness. This directly supports the objectives of Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy, particularly the goal of increasing the proportion of adults engaging in at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week to 79 percent for men and 70 percent for women. Achieving these targets contributes to Qatar National Vision 2030, which aspires to enhance the health of the Qatari community and ensure a long, healthy life for both present and future generations.”
His Excellency the Minister of Public Health further highlighted that regular physical activity, at the recommended levels, enhances quality of life and helps prevent diseases. He urged all members of the community to prioritise sports and make it a way of life for better health for all.
Healthcare sector employees and their families participated in a wide range of sporting, recreational, and educational activities, including marathon races, fitness games, children’s obstacle courses, mini-golf, archery, basketball, target shooting, tug-of-war, sack races, three-legged races, an escape room challenge, table football, table tennis, and many more.
His Excellency Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Director General of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), commented on National Sport Day, stating, “National Sport Day represents an opportunity to promote a culture of sport within our society and to support the health of individuals and the community as a whole. Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) considers this day a significant occasion for enhancing health and physical awareness across all segments of society, by encouraging both citizens and residents to engage in physical activity in a safe and healthy environment.”
His Excellency Al Suwaidi added, “At HMC, we believe in the vital role of sport in improving quality of life and strengthening the immune system to reduce chronic diseases. We are always committed to supporting the health of all those participating in sports activities. National Sport Day is also an opportunity to foster collaboration between the healthcare and sports sectors, and we are honoured to be part of this initiative, which reflects Qatar’s forward-looking vision of building a healthy society founded on physical activity and overall well-being.”
Dr Mariam Ali Abdul Malik, Managing Director of the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), stated, “National Sport Day is an opportunity to raise health awareness on the importance of sports and physical activity for all members of the community, in accordance with the recommended levels for each age group.”
Dr Abdul Malik highlighted, “At the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), we offer a wide range of preventive programmes for the community, including wellness services at our health centres. These initiatives are designed to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and empower them to make informed lifestyle choices. The National Sport Day represents a noble initiative that supports the achievement of our health goals.”
On this occasion, the Ministry of Public Health and its partners are intensifying awareness activities on the importance of sport and physical activity, given their essential role in promoting health and quality of life. The Ministry and its partners implement numerous programmes and initiatives designed to encourage physical activity within the community.
It is worth noting that National Sport Day takes place annually on the second Tuesday of February, as established by Amiri Decree No 80 of 2011. The event aims to raise awareness about the importance of sport and its role in the lives of individuals and society.
