A large number of people participated in various games at Katara to celebrate National Sport Day. Pics: Kammutty VP/ The Peninsula
Like the heavy turnout at dozens of other venues hosting fun-filled sporting activities across the country to mark National Sport Day (NSD) despite scattered rains and cool weather, Katara Cultural Village was also thronged with people who kept on enjoying various games through the day.
Competitions in basketball, football, beach handball, chess, tennis and cycling were held at Katara in which a large number citizens and expatriates participated.
Minister of Energy and Industry H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada also participated in activities at Katara. Apart from the usual games and sporting events, Katara was the venue to many activities such as wrestling, beach volleyball, paragliding and rowing.
An important attraction at Katara was ‘flower show’ in which 40,000 colourful flowers amused the visitors. Beach Touch Rugby challenge of Qatar Rugby Federation (QRF) was also held on the National Sport Day (NSD) in association with Woqod and Katara.
Some Qatari nationals also brought their ponies which turned a source of amusement for many visitors.
Along sporting activities, there were light entertainment for families and kids, DJ music, beach prizes, and medical stalls providing information on healthy lifestyle and offering free tests to visitors.
With the theme “Show the game skills”, NSD celebrations in Katara also included activities from water games to sand and court sports and other outdoor activities.
Through the Sports Activities Department, QU conducted a series of sporting and fitness events on its campus and at Katara Cultural Village (Katara) as part of its contribution towards the national effort to promote sports and healthy lifestyles throughout the community.
Themed “Sports Unite Us”, the activities were organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), Community College of Qatar (CCQ), and Katara, the official host. At Katara, the activities included a walking march for kids and adults around the area, a paragliding show performed by a team from QU Air Sports Club, cultural and traditional games, and beach activities such as volleyball and football, as well as sports activities for adults and kids. QU Vice-President for Administration and Finance Dr Khalid Al Khater said: “The National Sports Day aims to promote the culture of sports within the community and to highlight the health benefits of sports. It also aims to motivate and encourage the community members to exercise and practice sports in their daily life.”
QU Student Services and Activities Director Abdulla Al Yafei said: “We are proud to be part of this national event which demonstrates QU’s commitment to strengthening strong links with the society and to raising the community awareness on the importance of exercise for a healthy lifestyle. In sharing these activities on this special day, QU is contributing to highlighting the health benefits of sports and fitness in line with the National Health Strategy and Qatar Vision 2030.”
A special section of Qatar Red Crescent (QRCS) was also set up at Katara Cultural Village to hold diverse sports, recreational, and informative activities as well as offer medical services for free for the visitors of different ages and walks of life.
