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Qatar / General

NSD creates awareness about sports, environmental protection: Al Subaie

Published: 12 Feb 2025 - 09:18 am | Last Updated: 12 Feb 2025 - 09:23 am
Minister of Environment and Climate Change H E Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie participating in a sport activity organised by the MECC at Old Doha Port, yesterday.

Minister of Environment and Climate Change H E Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie participating in a sport activity organised by the MECC at Old Doha Port, yesterday.

Sanaullah Ataullah | The Peninsula

Doha, Qatar: Minister of Environment and Climate Change H E Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie has said that the National Sport Day (NSD) is an ideal opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of the link between sports and environmental protection.

He said that outdoor sports activities create a culture of sustainability and encourage individuals to adopt environmentally friendly practices.

Al Subaie participated in an event organised by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MECC) at Old Doha Port yesterday to mark National Sport Day. Under the event, several sports and fitness activities were held which attracted a large number of people.

“Sport is not just a means of promoting physical and mental health, but an effective tool to support environmental efforts, by raising awareness of the importance of preserving green spaces and natural areas, which are an essential part of Qatar National Vision 2030,” said the Minister.

He noted that the sports activities held on the islands and natural reserves contribute to highlighting the value of these sites and the need to preserve them.

The Minster stressed the importance of concerted efforts between all segments of society to ensure the sustainability of natural resources.

He said that organizing the Sports Day every year reflects Qatar’s commitment to achieving a balance between environmental development and community health, within the framework of its vision to achieve a sustainable present and future.

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change

H E Eng Abdulaziz bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud, stressed that NSD reflects the state’s vision in promoting public health.

He said that the Ministry, in turn, is working to integrate environmental values into sports activities, by spreading the culture of preserving the environment while practicing physical activity.  Al Mahmoud said that the Ministry adopts an approach aimed at directing its employees towards practicing sports, through participation in sports tournaments launched by the relevant authorities in the country.

He stressed the importance of integrating sports and reliance on environmentally friendly means of transportation, such as cycling and using the Metro for transportation to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.

Speaking to The Peninsula, Assistant Undersecretary for Climate Change Affairs at MECC Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Al Sada, said that dedicating a National Sport Day (NSD) in Qatar reflects the wise leadership’s vision in promoting a culture of physical activity within society.

He said that NSD contributed significantly to establishing sports as a daily lifestyle for people in Qatar.

“Fitness has become an integral part of societal awareness, encouraging individuals to engage in various sports activities regularly,” said Al Sada.

He emphasised the importance of sports as a fundamental part of people’s lives. Al Sada added that this day has become an annual occasion eagerly awaited by all, as it plays a key role in raising awareness about adopting an active and healthy lifestyle, enhancing individual well-being, and positively impacting the overall quality of life in the community.

Al Sada explained that sports are no longer just a recreational activity but have become a key pillar in improving physical fitness and public health, aligning with sustainable development goals.

Assistant Undersecretary for Protection and Natural Reserves Affairs Dr. Ibrahim Abdul Latif Al Muslimani, said that NSD reflects Qatar’s commitment to providing an environment that encourages health and activity, and enhances the spirit of solidarity among members of society.

He said that this occasion will remain a source of inspiration in developing a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.

Al Muslimani said that Qatar is known as one of the world’s leading countries in supporting sports in all its forms, based on its deep awareness of its pivotal role in promoting community health. Assistant Undersecretary for Environmental Affairs Abdul Hadi Nasser Al Marri, said that allocating a sport day at the national level reflects the leadership’s interest in the status of the human being as a pivotal element in the development process.

He stressed that sports represent a basic means of building a strong and solid society capable of contributing to the development of the country.