Qatar University (QU) joined the nation as it celebrated National Sport Day yesterday by offering a full day of activities for the local community.
This year the university collaborated with Qatar Charity and the Planning and Statistics Authority to offer a range of services and activities dealing with health, wellness and sports.
QU president Dr Hassan al-Derham participated in the day’s activities alongside a number of university officials including vice president for Student Affairs Dr Khalid Mohamed al-Khanji, vice president for Administration and Financial Affairs Dr Khalid al-Khater and Student Services & Activities director Dr Abdulla al-Yafei.
Dr al-Derham officially inaugurated the day by opening the new gym area in the QU Sports & Events Complex, which was followed by a jog around the perimeters of the complex with university officials, deans and supervisors.
The event included a friendly sports match between QU and Qatar Charity and other competitions in several sports such as football, basketball, volleyball and handball. The event also offered health services and awareness booths, where visitors could check their blood pressure, pulse, oxygen and blood.
Commenting on this national event, Dr al-Derham said: “I am pleased to see a huge turnout for National Sport Day 2020. The new gym at the QU Sports & Events Complex is a positive addition to the university, on its journey to creating an active, effective and rich students life, as we aim to build a sports generation that combines academics and physical health.”
The Planning and Statistics Authority president Dr Saleh bin Mohamed al-Nabit said the Authority “in collaboration with Qatar University and Qatar Charity recognise the importance of strengthening national commitment in the field of human development, one of the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030, which seeks to empower the people of Qatar so that they will be able to sustain and support their country’s growth. There is no doubt that organising an event such as this one for National Sport Day, for all age groups, is a necessity towards building bridges of communication among all segments of society.”
Dr al-Khanji said QU’s interest in celebrating the day comes within the framework of the university’s belief in the importance of sport and its role in encouraging the community to value sports as it contributes to the academic success of individuals.
Dr al-Khater said: “I am pleased to see students, professors, staff and families join in on the day’s activities. Many sectors from outside the university have come to the Qatar University campus to participate in this event.”
Dr al-Yafei said the programme was designed to attract the public and create community awareness of the importance of sports in the life of the individual and society.
QU’s Sports Affairs Department director Asmaa al-Naemi said: “Our department joined this day by organising a number of sports activities and programmes that combine the goals of the occasion and Qatar University’s efforts to serve society, both from an academic and health standpoint.”