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This month, Aspire Zone Foundation marks a decade of sports excellence since being established in 2008. Over these ten years, it has followed a clear and consistent strategy to contribute to the vibrant and growing sports economy of Qatar, while supporting the human and economic pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar's status as a world-leading sports hub grows more assured each day. In a short space of time, the country has emerged as a sporting capital of the Middle East and Asia, with the sterling Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) sitting at the heart of this development.
On the occasion of its tenth anniversary, AZF's CEO Mohammad Khalifa al Suwaidi said,"This month we mark ten years of the decision by our country's visionary leadership to establish AZF and direct investment and resources towards sporting development and focus on the steady expansion of sports-related industries in Qatar.
"In the past few years, the sports scene in Qatar has developed steadily with Aspire Zone Foundation sitting at the heart of this remarkable progress. Now, AZF represents one of the world's leading destinations and is an enormous source of national pride for the country's citizens and residents."
"If you draw a simple comparison between Qatar and the region before and after the establishment of AZF as a fully-integrated sports city, you can clearly identify the impact that the organisation has had, including delivering high-profile international sporting events. We have made enormous progress in developing the country's sports infrastructure and facilities and cultivating our talented sports men and women including star athletes and Olympic champions," stressed Suwaidi.
The country's emergence as a destination of choice for international sporting events began in earnest in 2006 when Qatar hosted the Asian Games, the second-largest multi-sport event in the world. Since then, the country has hosted a large number of major international events averaging nearly 80 events per year.
In January 2008, Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) was established by Emiri decree in order to develop a world-class sporting environment, enhance sports performance and contribute to producing elite local athletes.
By providing a comprehensive academic, athletic and mental education AZF equips such athletes to compete in various local and global competitions. In addition, AZF's goals include the promotion of active and healthy lifestyles among local community members, and encouraging the growth and development of the sports economy in Qatar.
Since then, AZF has emerged as the umbrella organisation for a world-leading sports academy, logistics business and renowned orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital. Bringing together this global expertise means AZF is uniquely placed to catalyse the country's sports industry in pursuit of its ambitious vision to be 'the Reference' in sports excellence worldwide by 2020. It does so whilst operating as one integrated institution that adheres to a unique working model the 'Aspire way.'
During the past decade, AZF has continued to make significant progress towards its vision, further cementing its reputation as a leading sports hub that attracts decision-makers, community members and sporting icons from around the world. It has become an essential component in athletes' journeys to excellence.
Every year, AZF delivers world-class events. Hugely varied and wide ranging, these include everything from community sports activities to major sports medicine, science and education conferences as well as cultural and entertainment shows and events.
Crucially AZF is playing a central role in arguably the greatest sporting spectacle of them all the FIFA World Cup. AZF's involvement in supporting the tournament will create an incredible sporting and social legacy for the country which includes building FIFA World Cup Qatar host venues stadiums like Khalifa International Stadium and Al Khor Stadium. It is a legacy from which all members of the community stand to benefit, with access to world-class sporting facilities designed to support active and healthy lifestyles.
