Qatar Foundation (QF) celebrated National Sport Day (NSD) 2022 with the launch of an initiative designed to help develop women’s football in Qatar and several other activities for the community, yesterday.
The Women and Girls Football Initiative is launched in partnership with Generation Amazing, a program under the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy and Adidas. It also aims to promote sporting inclusivity, and contribute a legacy for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson and CEO of QF and football icon David Beckham, awarded winners of inaugural tournament of Women and Girls Football Initiative at Education City Stadium.
“Having a place for women and girls to play football at a grassroots level in Education City’s World Cup stadium during National Sport Day is another example of the emphasis that we place on inclusivity and ensuring opportunities to learn, explore, and interact are open to all members of our community,” Machaille Hassan Al Naimi, President of Community Development at QF told The Peninsula.
“Sports is a unifying force that brings people together in a way that few other things can. On National Sport Day, and through our year-round sporting activities and facilities which are open for the entire community to experience and enjoy, we are ensuring everyone can feel the benefit and the fun of embracing a healthy, active lifestyle,” she added.
The tournament held in the Education City Stadium included eight teams, and the event had three elements as the women’s amateur initiative, grassroots girls’ element and educational workshops.
Speaking about the purpose of this initiative, Alexandra Chalat, Director, Community Engagement and World Cup Legacy at QF, said that it aims to provide more opportunities for girls and women to play football across the country from a grassroots level.
“Today’s event, the first of its kind is being held in a World Cup stadium, was a kick-off for ongoing programming we will be delivering with Generation Amazing during ladies only nights in Education City’s Oxygen Park that will include football training as well as workshops on coaching education, referring and pathways in the industry,” she said.
“Hosting the launch of this initiative at Education City Stadium is a big statement as we want this Stadium’s legacy to be an inclusive place, where activities, programs, and events take place that are all about education, development and sport. So this initiative hopefully sets a precedent and an example of what’s to come post-World Cup,” Chalat added.
Nusaybah Peltier, winner of the Golden Boot Award at the tournament said that it was an amazing experience to play at a World Cup stadium and meet with a football icon Beckham.
“It is really amazing to play football in the Education City Stadium, which will be part of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. I started playing football at the age of five with my brother and sister and this is the biggest tournament I have ever played. It’s a great opportunity,” said 12 years old Nusaybah.
Another participant in the Women and Girls Football Initiative, Hana Abu Gabal said, “Getting opportunities is always a challenge for girls to play football, this tournament is really a good opportunity. Hopefully it opened eyes of many people to see how well we play.”
National Sport Day also saw QF hold a Car-Free Day at Education City, as part of its efforts to drive sustainability in Qatar, with visitors walking, cycling, and using scooters as well as using QF’s sustainable transport network, the Education City Tram.
The activities of by QF’s National Sport Day, sponsored by Ooredoo ranged from fitness classes, sports competitions, and exercise challenges, such as Zumba, boxing, and yoga. Members of the community were also able to enjoy Education City’s outdoor facilities and green, open spaces.
All activities were held in line with public health guidelines.