Qatar Swimming Association ready to host Marathon Swim World Series

​DOHA, February 13, 2020 - Qatar Swimming Association (QSA) had completed its preparations for hosting the first round of FINA/CNSG Marathon Swim World Series 2020 for a 10 Kilometers in Doha. The championship would be held on Saturday in Katara Cultural Village's beach.The organizing committee will hold on Thursday a press conference to announce all details of the worldwide event, in the attendance of QSA President Khaleel Al Jaber, in addition to FINA representative, and two swimmers from the championship.Trainings for the marathon's participants have begun on Wednesday, as the organizing committee was done preparing it on Tuesday, for the trainings to be continued for the next two days with the arrival of more swimmers, whom are to continue arriving until Friday.In the first round, a number of 136 swimmers, (82 males and 54 females), from 34 countries are going to compete in the Marathon that Doha is hosting for the third year in a row.Qatari swimming will be attending in the Marathon with the participance of the two swimmers Abdulrahman Hisham Mohammed and Ahmad Tariq.The marathon will be 10 rounds long. Preceding the first round of the marathon, there will be a swimming competition on Friday for a 400 meters distance for girls and boys aged from 11 to 14 years old, in addition to a 800 meters distance for ages from 15 to 17 years old, as well as for men and women above 18 years of age for 1200 meters distance.

HH Sheikha Moza Joins Qatar Foundation's National Sport Day Activities

Doha, February 12, 2020-(QNA) - HH Chairperson of Qatar Foundation Sheikha Moza bint Nasser yesterday attended Qatar Foundation's National Sport Day celebrations.The activities were also attended by HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al -Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation. In addition, some of Qatar's top sport figures as well as members of the community participated in the QF's various activities.Qatar Foundation designed its event on the occasion of the State's Sports Day for this year, in a way that reaffirms the importance of playing sports and enjoying a healthy and vibrant lifestyle, and dedicating it as one of the most important pillars of community development and the promotion of community participation.Qatar Foundation designed its event on the occasion of the Sport Day for this year, in a way that reaffirms the importance of playing sports and enjoying a healthy and vibrant lifestyle, and dedicating it as one of the most important pillars of community development and the promotion of community participation.Qatari Footballer Abdulkarim Hassan said "I am pleased to participate in Qatar Foundation's National Sport Day activities, to reaffirm that sport is important throughout the year and not just today. Every year, participation in sports activities is increasing across the community, in all events and activities at a national level, and this reflects the truly positive impact that has been established with the government's support."Qatari Swimmer Nada Arakji said "I am very excited today for Qatar National Sport Day, it is an opportunity for everyone in the country Qatar to participate in sports, and it is such a great honor for me to be here in QF, especially as I am a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar.""It is so nice to be back and I am honestly very excited for today, I hope everyone has fun and achieved what they come for today." she added .Qatari Hurdler Mariam Farid, a student at QF partner university Northwestern University in Qatar, said: "It is great to be at Education City, not only as an athlete but also as a student. QF is part of my daily life, and it is an honor to be here today. We have huge opportunities and facilities here, and everyone is happy to be part of today's activities. Sport is a lifestyle for everyone in Qatar, especially for women who include it within their daily routines, and this reflects the status of sport in Qatar and the way it has truly become a lifestyle."And the Qatari taekwondo athlete Kaltham Al Mutawa said "Sport has a major and important role in my life, and has helped me learn many things. I encourage all members of the community to exercise every day for at least 30 minutes, even just walking. I really hope that everyone enjoys sport, because it is really fun and full of benefits."Hamad Al-Dosari, one of the participants in QF's activities on National Sport Day, said that Education City is the ideal destination. "This year, I wanted to participate once again in QF's events because they are well-organized and very diverse," he said."Today, I participated in the QF Race for the second time. It's a serious race and measures the competitors' abilities and endurance levels. This year, I did better than before, which made me very happy." he added.A key focus of this year's activities included offering a range of ability-friendly activities, with offerings, from football and goalball to chess.Yasmeen Tebroon visited QF with her daughter Sarai, who is blind due to albinism in her eyes. She participated in the disability friendly games on the green spine, and Yasmeen said: "My daughter was thrilled to take part in these activities today."The fact that such events are organized on such a large scale shows how inclusive QF is. Look at the turnout today, despite the wind. The number of people with different needs who have come here today clearly shows that they have come to associate QF with such initiatives. she added."And we weren't disappointed - she played football, she shot hoops. I'm just grateful to live in a country where the leadership makes people like my daughter feel included as much as those without any disability."Rashid Bakhit Al Marri, 12, also took part in the sports activities organized by QF and said: "National Sport Day is a very unique day for all community members. I wanted to spend the day at Education City, as I know that QF supports people with special needs, and organizes activities for our abilities."Vodafone Qatar was the platinum sponsor of QF's National Sport Day activities. (QNA)President of Community Development, Qatar Foundation, Machaille Al Naimi said "At QF, our aim is to effect positive change in society, and we believe this can be done through education, sharing knowledge, and providing inclusive opportunities for everyone. This includes the chance to enjoy sport and physical activity, and to join together as a community in building a healthier, more active nation.""Our National Sport Day celebrations reflect this commitment. Open to everyone, our activities aim to foster social engagement while showcasing the opportunities within Education City that people of all ages, cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and interests - can enjoy." she added."We are delighted to see how the community of Qatar have again got into the National Sport Day spirit at QF, and we hope that what they have experienced and enjoyed today will encourage them to make our activities and programs that foster healthy, active lifestyles a regular part of their lives." Al Naimi said.The activities which took place at Education City included the QF Race across a 2km obstacle course, full-body workouts with top US gym Dogpound, and yoga sessions with Lululemon.Some of Qatar's top names in sport also joined QF's celebrations, including high-jumper Mutaz Barshim, who said: "I would like to extend my warmest greetings to Qatar Foundation for organizing these activities today. I am glad to be here at Education City with many athletes, and many members of the community who have come together to participate in these different activities."

HH the Father Amir Participates in Qatar Sport Day

Doha, February 12, 2020-(QNA) - HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani participated in Qatar Sport Day activities on Tuesday morning.HH the Father Amir carried out a walking exercise in Al Shaqab. His Highness also watched a purebred Arabian horse show.HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al-Thani, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al-Thani, HE Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa Al-Thani, a number of Their Excellencies Sheikhs and Ministers, and horse riding enthusiasts also participated along with HH the Father Amir. (QNA)

HH the Amir Participates in National Sport Day Activities

​Doha, February 12, 2020-(QNA) - HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani participated on Tuesday morning in the activities of the Qatar National Sport Day along with citizens and residents of the country.HH the Amir carried out walking and jogging exercise in Lusail Promenade with a number of world champions, Olympic athletes, a number of Qatari Women's Sports Committee players and Aspire Academy students. (QNA)

Sheikh Joaan attends Team Qatar’s Sport Day celebrations

DOHA, February 12 , 2020- His Excellency, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, the President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) participated in the team Qatar's celebrations on the National Sport Day occasion , which took place at Barahat Msheireb on Tuesday.For this prestigious occasion , Team Qatar's Sport Village at Barahat Msheireb was well- equipped with all facilities and services and turning into a home for sport activities and entertainment for all age groups.Citizens and residents from across the country came together to play and enjoy inspiring games, including athletics, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, table tennis, boxing, wrestling, taekwondo , karate and Judo.On the same track of inspiration, team Qatar champions, headed by the world and Olympic high jumper , Mutaz Essa Barshim have also inspired the young Qatari generation during this prestigious event.The event have also seen participation from senior Qatar's sport officials including H.E Dr. Thani Abdulrahman Al-Kuwari, the Second-Vice President of the QOC, H.E Jassim Rashid Al Boenin, the QOC Secretary General, along with Heads of Sport Federations and directors of QOC's departments.Team Qatar celebrates the country's National Sports Day annually under the theme of (Sport For Life) with aim to promote the sports, the physical education and to ensure sustainable development across the country.

136 swimmers to take part in FINA Marathon World Series

Doha, February 10, 2020-The FINA /CNSG Marathon Swim World Series Doha 2020 is set for exciting action as many star athletes have signed up for the season-opening meet, which will be held at scenic Katara Beach on February 15.The Qatar Swimming Association (QSA) has finalized the entry list of competitors for the highly-anticipated meet of the 10km circuit, which includes a total of 136 swimmers (82 male and 53 female athletes) from 34 countries.France will send the biggest contingent including 16 swimmers to the Qatari capital, while Italy's squad will consist of 14 athletes.Australia and Germany will have 10 swimmers each in their squads, while Hungary will come with nine athletes.Two Qatari swimmers – Abdelrahman Hesham Mohamed and Ahmad Tarek A K Samara – will also compete in the first stop of the 10-meet world series.Participants in both the men and women's races include many Olympic and world champions as well as several other leading long-distance swimmers.“We witnessed thrilling men and women's races last year, and this year too we expect another exciting round of FINA marathon because of the presence of world class athletes for the competition," QSA President Mr. Khaleel Al Jabir said in a statement.“We are hopeful that the swimmers will get perfect conditions to compete at the beautiful Katara Beach. Our preparation is on track as our team is working hard to complete all the arrangements. We will provide best facilities to all the participants coming to Doha," he added.It will be tough to predict a winner in the men's race, which will see world's best long-distance swimmers in action on February 15.Defending his overall world title, Kristof Rasovszky (HUN) – also a gold medalist at the 2019 World Aquatics Championships (5km) in South Korea – will be competing against the likes of reigning Olympic champion Ferry Weertman (NED), and current World champion Florian Wellbrock (GER) in the grueling 10km race.Wellbrock will also be defending his Doha title in the first meet.