People from different nationalities, ages and backgrounds stepped out in large numbers yesterday to participate in the Qatar National Sport Day celebrations across Doha and beyond.
It was a day full of sporting and fun activities at places such as the Doha Corniche, Aspire Zone, Katara – the Cultural Village, Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Park, Qatar Foundation, various public parks and gardens and other institutions that hosted.
On the Corniche and the green patches along the entire stretch, a large number of people gathered from early in the morning practising various types of sports and physical activities, including walking, running, exercising and different types of group and individual games, such as football and volleyball.
The general mood was festive and the occasion gave the people an opportunity to get together with families, friends and colleagues while being engaged in various activities in line with the spirit of National Sport Day. Also, the cool weather encouraged many people to go outdoors and the high turnout of participants meant roads leading to the Doha Corniche, MIA Park, Katara and other places saw a steady stream of traffic throughout the day.
Traffic patrols, in collaboration with the security departments concerned, ensured smooth traffic movement around the country – with a special focus on areas that saw a high public turnout – and smooth conduct of the celebrations in general.
“It is a very nice day, the weather is excellent and the country recently celebrated the great victory of its national football team in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. So, we are keen to make the most of this occasion and do some outdoor activities with friends and colleagues,” said a young Asian expatriate.
An Arab expatriate and his family members expressed gratitude to the country and its wise leadership for the efforts exerted to make the day enjoyable for all, especially as many ministries, government institutions and private entities held a wide range of activities for the general public.
The occasion also boosted the business of shops selling sports apparels, gyms as well as operators of boats and dhows. A considerable number of people were seen taking joyrides on dhows along the Corniche yesterday.
In the run-up to National Sport Day, many people bought new sports gear and apparels, thereby increasing the sales of retailers, while others obtained membership in gyms on being inspired by the noble message of the Sport Day. Qatar National Sport Day is considered a pioneering initiative of the country that is dedicated to the promotion of active lifestyle and healthy practices, as part of the State’s keenness to maintain the well-being of its inhabitants.