Picture from EducationCity.qa
Doha, Qatar: As part of National Sport Day activities, Education City will be hosting football, cricket, basketball, and volleyball tournaments for the Shukran Cup semi-finals and finals.
The Shukran Cup is an annual sports event organized by Qatar Foundation’s Workers Welfare Department in collaboration with their Community Engagement and Activation. It aims to provide a platform for workers to showcase and enhance their sports skills.
Nine men’s football teams, four men’s basketball teams, nine volleyball teams (four men’s and five women’s), and eleven men’s cricket teams will be competing today as part of the Shukran Cup 2022-2023 semi-finals and finals.
Additionally, 3km marathons for both men and women, targeting approximately 100 participants each, were held on January 12, the opening day of the Shukran Cup activities.
The Peninsula spoke to some of the expatriate workers participating in the Shukran Cup activities to learn about their experiences.
Abigael Jelimo, a Kenyan expatriate, secured second place in the women’s marathon category and expressed gratitude to Qatar for providing “a great opportunity” to showcase their sporting skills.
Abigael Jelimo
“I enjoy participating in sports, and I’m thankful to the Qatar Foundation for giving us this opportunity,” she said, mentioning her intention to also participate in volleyball matches. Abigael, who has been working for a cleaning company for seven months, is optimistic about her team’s chances in the semi-finals and finals.
“I used to be involved in sports back home, especially during my school days. Nowadays, it’s hard to find time for practice, but I’m confident that I can give my best, and our team will emerge victorious.” The Shukran Cup also aims to draw attention to how important sports are in encouraging healthy lifestyles among the workforces. In addition to their many health advantages, sports help create excellent leaders, boost self-esteem, foster teamwork, and facilitate the formation of new relationships.
Patrick Kamau
Patrick Kamau, another Kenyan expatriate worker participating in football matches today at Education City, said, ‘Through the Shukran Cup, Qatar Foundation is providing us with the opportunity to improve our skills and enhance our confidence. Engaging in sports also boosts self-confidence and promotes teamwork.’ Patrick, who resides in Labour City, practices football during his free time, noting that it also, contributes to adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Events of Shukran Cup 2022-2023 Tournament will be held across Education City venues including Qatar Academy Sidra, Recreation Center, Awsaj Recreation Center, Oxygen Park and Education City Cricket Grounds. The events are held in collaboration with Z-adventure sports (Marathon), Future sports (football, basketball and volleyball) and Absolute Sports Academy (Cricket).
An award ceremony will be held at Awsaj Recreation Center, where first-place winners will receive trophies, and runners-up will be awarded medals.
