QF’s Pre-University Education offers comprehensive sports experience to promote health among school communities

Doha, Qatar: Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education marked National Sport Day with diverse sports activities at Oxygen Park in Education City, uniting students, teachers, and parents. The event emphasized the importance of sports in promoting a healthy lifestyle and honing students' athletic skills.

Aligned with Qatar Foundation’s (QF) commitment to student empowerment, students - supported by faculty, staff, and local sports federations - led and organized sports activities. Trained students became sport ambassadors, sharing their expertise with peers, fostering wider participation, and ensuring a lasting impact.

Reflecting its commitment to inclusivity, QF offered a fully immersive sports experience, featuring dedicated activities for people with disabilities. Its Ability Friendly Program showcased football, basketball, and kickboxing, Renad Academy – part of QF’s Pre-University Education – provided a sensory unit for individuals with autism, and Warif Academy, Qatar’s first public school dedicated to serving students with severe and multiple disabilities, in partnership with Ministry of Education and Higher Education, and Qatar Foundation, introduced interactive sports stations.

Sonia Mohammed, a sports and physical education teacher at Warif Academy, reflected on the event: "Our participation was part of QF’s inclusive sports initiative for individuals with disabilities in schools. We carefully selected activities like sitting volleyball, boccia, bowling, and bean bag toss, ensuring all students, regardless of ability, could engage and enjoy the experience.”

"Seeing the students' joy was the highlight of the day. Many rarely get the chance to participate in recreational activities, but today, they were fully engaged. One student in a wheelchair was still able to take part in multiple games, which gave him a sense of inclusion and excitement.

"Watching parents play alongside their children, sharing their happiness, and supporting them throughout the event was incredibly moving. It reinforced how sports can strengthen family bonds and create a true sense of belonging."

Sonia expressed gratitude for QF’s commitment to inclusivity, highlighting its efforts to ensure that all children, regardless of ability, can participate, learn, and grow with confidence.

The event showcased the exceptional involvement of Stadium Falcons, a program launched by the Ministry of Interior to train students in stadium security. 
Participants completed specialized training and earned certification to ensure the safety of sporting events. Their role in this year’s National Sport Day allowed them to reinforce their expertise and showcase the program’s role in building competencies and enhancing skills.

Khalid Raed Al-Helal, one of the students participating in the Stadium Falcons program, expressed gratitude for the experience, saying: "Being part of this program changed my perspective on sports. It taught me the value of discipline and responsibility, it wasn’t just training but a real-world opportunity to apply my skills in a professional setting."

Al-Helal continued, expressing pride in his role in ensuring the safety of National Sport Day events at Education City. He emphasized that the responsibility required a high level of focus and attention to detail to create a secure and inclusive sporting environment for all attendees.

"This experience boosted my confidence and reinforced the importance of teamwork and quick decision-making in dynamic situations. I look forward to further developing my skills in this field and hope to continue contributing to similar initiatives in the future."

Yasmin Mahmoud, who attended the event with her son, praised the event’s organization and diversity. She said: "National Sports Day at Education City has become a cherished annual tradition for our family. We make it a point to attend because it offers a well-organized and engaging sports environment that caters to all ages and interests."

Mahmoud highlighted the event’s wide range of sports activities, which allow both children and adults to explore different athletic experiences, from recreational games to more advanced challenges.

She also emphasized that the family-friendly atmosphere and strong community engagement make the day truly special, blending fun with learning and inspiring participants to adopt a more active lifestyle.

"I actively take part in National Sport Day activities, where people come together in the spirit of health and well-being. It strengthens the bond between children and their families, offering a valuable opportunity to connect with their passion for sports and active living."