PARIS: The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), led by its President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, on Thursday welcomed senior members from across the Olympic Family for the Team Qatar reception in the heart of Paris.
Hosted on the sidelines of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, Qatar reinforced its commitment to serving the Olympic Movement and using the power of sport to make a valuable contribution to social development around the world.
The QOC President was joined by Chairperson of Qatar Museums HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, and Qatar Foundation Vice Chairperson and CEO HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani.
In attendance were also representatives of the senior management of the Qatar Olympic Committee, as well as distinguished guests and esteemed dignitaries from the Olympic Movement.
QOC President HE Sheikh Joaan said: "As we gather in this iconic location, we celebrate not only the outstanding achievements of our athletes but also the shared values and spirit that define the Olympic Games. The Olympic Games are about more than medals and records. They are about the unity of nations, the fostering of friendships, and the promotion of peace through sport. The world's best athletes coming together in peaceful competition reminds us that we are connected by a shared humanity. In these days of competition, we have seen how sport transcends boundaries, breaks down barriers, and builds bridges between people of different cultures and backgrounds. This is a message that is needed in today’s world more than ever.
"We commend the IOC, under the leadership of IOC President Thomas Bach, for ensuring that even in the face of adversity, we stay true to this Olympic spirit. For ensuring that the Olympic Games continues to serve as a source of inspiration and a beacon of hope for the future. Qatar is already working to ensure as many people as possible benefit from the Olympic values."
Speaking at the reception, HE Sheikha Hind announced the inclusive sports programme as part of Qatar Foundation’s collaboration with the IOC and Education Above All.
"This programme aims to support women and girls, people with disabilities, and people from marginalized socio-economic backgrounds through sports and education. It shall support the implementation of sport-for-good community projects in over 10 countries in Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, benefitting up to 50,000 children and youth, training 5,000 coaches, teachers, and instructors with a far-reaching impact across the world," she said.
"Through this new programme, we aim to amplify our collective contribution toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by uniting diverse resources and expertise in innovation and education, inclusive community sports programmes, digital tools, and funding, in order to tackle global issues effectively and drive sustainable development for a better future.”
The reception formalities concluded with the announcement of the first translation from French into Arabic of selected writings by Pierre De Coubertin, the father of the modern Olympic Games, "Textes Choisis: Volume 1”.The book was realized through a collaboration between Qatar Museums, 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, Qatar Olympic Committee, and the International Olympic Committee.
The book launch was addressed by the President of the Pierre de Coubertin Family Association, Alexandra De Navacelle De Coubertin.