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Tribune News Network
Doha
TEAM Qatar's Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic athletes inspired young athletes at National Sport Day (NSD) celebrations across Qatar as the nation came together for the sixth consecutive year to participate in and enjoy sports on Tuesday.
Qatar's sporting heroes shared their experiences and advice as national federations organised activities across Qatar for people of all ages and abilities.
On another hugely successful Sport Day, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al Thani said:"Our athletes are an inspiration to our nation and are excellent role models for our young people. We are delighted that so many of them were able to join in the celebrations today and pass on their experiences and guidance to aspiring young athletes."
HE Sheikh Joaan added:"National Sport Day provides a unique opportunity to unite our nation through sport and share the Olympic spirit. It is pleasing to see such large number of people turning out with their families and friends to participate in the many activities across Qatar. This is about more than just one day of sport it is about kick-starting a future of health, happiness and success."
HE Sheikh Joaan and QOC Secretary-General Dr Thani Abdulrahman al Kuwari toured and joined in NSD activities. They were joined by leaders of international sports, including CEO of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Olivier Gers and President of the International School Sport Federation (ISF) Laurent Petrynka.
Petrynka said:"I have been impressed with the involvement of so many schools across Qatar in NSD activities, including children with disabilities. All the stakeholders have been participating in sport today, showcasing how the sporting spirit is continuing to grow in Qatar."
Team Qatar Olympians Fares Ibrahim and Kamal Mallash joined in the NSD activities at Katara and shared their Rio 2016 experiences. Ibrahim had a breakthrough year in 2016 with a bronze medal in the World Youth Championships, eighth place at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and three gold medals at the Asian Junior Weightlifting Championships.
Mallash was a member of Qatar's historic handball team that won silver at the 2015 World Championships. Mallash said:"It has been amazing to see so many people playing and loving handball today and it is great to watch how the sport has taken off in Qatar since the World Championships in 2015."
At the Qatar Paralympic Committee (QPC), Qatar's first ever Paralympic medallists, Abdelrahman Abdelqader and Sara Masoud, together with Mohammed al Kubaisi, took part. Abdelqader said:"Winning silver at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games was a dream come true and I hope that I showed young people across Qatar that they can achieve their goals, whatever be their circumstances."
Hamad Aquatic Centre welcomed Qatar's first-ever female double Olympian, Nada Arakji, to participate in a swimming open day and inspire youngsters through her experiences at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics.
Nada commented:"Swimming is the best sport as it works every muscle in the body, helps you de-stress and is a great way to stay fit and healthy. Competing in the Olympic Games was one of the best experiences of my life and I hope to inspire a lot of women, especially from younger generations to be the best that they can be and do the sport that they love it doesn't have to be swimming."
