File photo used for representation only
In support of the 'Sport For Health' partnership between the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and WHO, FIFA and Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, prominent athletes have shared their views on the importance of sport for promoting physical and mental health.
The Healthy FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 partnership, also known as the Sport and Health project, is supported by three key pillars — health promotion, health security and health communications.
“I’m proud to be connected with the WHO and this initiative, because it makes people aware that through sports you can have a better life,” said champion footballer and Qatar Legacy Ambassador Ronald de Boer.
In a video message, sharing his views about the benefit of sport in promoting mental health, the former Dutch professional footballer said, “Mental health is a very under estimated disease. Because you don’t see it from outside, and when you feel comfortable with your body, you are physically well. I think this will also help you mentally, and that’s why sport is very important.”
In October 2021, MoPH signed a three-year partnership with the World Health Organization, FIFA and Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy the to make the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 a beacon for physical and mental health promotion, and a model for ensuring future mega sport events are healthy and safe.
Using the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as a platform to promote healthy lifestyles and have a global campaign to raise awareness of the health benefits of physical activity is part of the commitments of Sport For Health partnership.
As part of the campaign, the Minister has shared video messages. Qatar national rugby player, Yasmine Dehbi, has shared how sport has positively influenced her physical and mental health. “Sport is not only beneficial for physical health but it is also beneficial for mental health. You become more active and more energetic and it really gives you positive energy to give everything,” said Dehbi.
She joined the Qatar National Rugby team in 2016 while she was a student.
Speaking about how she managed a balance between sport training and studies, Dehbi said, “The positive energy I had on and off the pitch was very good for my mental health. So playing sports is very beneficial.”
“I’m very supportive to the way the Minister is doing with the WHO and Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy to help promote sports and health. The world Cup is a wonderful opportunity to put a focus on health and sport so I encourage everybody to try a new sport,” she said.
