DOHA -  The Ministry of Sports and Youth, in collaboration with the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), organized a youth session titled “The Impact of Sport on Youth Mental Health” as part of the celebrations marking International Youth Day, observed annually on 12 August. This year’s theme is “Different Lives, Shared Dreams.”

The session brought together a group of sports-minded young people from diverse backgrounds and with a range of interests. Discussions explored how physical activity can help reduce psychological stress, strengthen self-confidence, develop mental resilience, and foster positive social relationships through an interactive dialogue combining scientific perspectives with real-life experiences.

Mr. Fawaz Al Musaifri, Director of the Youth Affairs Department at the Ministry of Sports and Youth, said this year’s International Youth Day theme, “Different Lives, Shared Dreams,” reflects the reality of young people around the world. Despite differences in environments, challenges and opportunities, he noted, young people share common aspirations to build a better future and enjoy balanced physical and mental well-being. He highlighted sport as one of the important means of bringing young people together and supporting these shared aspirations.

He added that the Ministry has been keen to launch innovative events and initiatives that address young people’s needs and enhance their quality of life. The organization of the session, he explained, stemmed from the Ministry’s belief that mental health is a fundamental pillar of youth empowerment and that sport has become an effective means of promoting psychological well-being and building positive character.

Al Musaifri also noted that the partnership with the Qatar Olympic Committee helped provide a dialogue platform that brought together scientific expertise and inspiring experiences, contributing to greater awareness among young people of the importance of making sport a way of life.

For her part, Ms. Amina Al Meer, Head of the Local Cooperation Unit at the Qatar Olympic Committee, affirmed that the cooperation with the Ministry of Sports and Youth stems from a shared vision that recognizes sport as a tool for community development and enhancing quality of life. She noted that the International Youth Day theme reflects the reality that differences in circumstances do not limit young people’s ambitions, but rather call for unified efforts to empower them and provide a supportive environment that enables them to achieve their aspirations, particularly in promoting mental health through sport.

She highlighted the Qatar Olympic Committee’s commitment to expanding cooperation with various national institutions to implement impactful initiatives that promote sports culture and encourage youth participation across different fields, in line with the State of Qatar’s vision of investing in people.

The strategic partnership between the Ministry of Sports and Youth and the Qatar Olympic Committee aims to unite efforts in implementing programs and initiatives that serve young people, raise awareness of mental health, and encourage healthy lifestyles. It also seeks to respond to young people’s aspirations and contribute to building a healthier and more cohesive society.