By Sport Reporter/Doha

The participants vowed to regularly pursue a fitness and healthy diet regime in keeping with the objectives of the National Sport Day.

 The day officially started with a VIP Walk at the Corniche, with the participation of QOC Secretary General HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, Minister of Health HE Abdulla bin Khalid al-Qahtani, Minister of Justice HE Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanem, ExxonMobil President and General Manager Bart Cahir and famous Australian Olympic multi-medallist Ian Thorpe.

People of all ages participating in marches from the Museum of Islamic Art to the Orry statue or from the Sheraton Park to the Orry statue, relishing the chance of finishing ahead of the others. Some walked in one group to represent their organisations, while others arrived with their families and friends. Those who completed the walks received t-shirts and caps as tokens of appreciation.

Fruit and water stations were also available through the length and breadth of Corniche to serve the walkers. Educative booths related to health and fitness were set-up along the way. Free health consultations, including blood pressure checks, were available.

People also enjoyed taking pictures with statues depicting sportsmen.“This has been one of the best programmes of the government. It’s a very positive concept to motivate people to exercise and inspire them about the joy of walking on this magnificent Corniche,” said Angela, a Filipino national and one of the walkers.

Another participant in the sport march, Mohamed, from Lebanon, said the day’s events to promote sports would do wonders for the country’s youth. “Young people learn better by practical examples rather than lecturing them on ideas and concepts inside classrooms. Many parents brought their children to the event. I think this is a good practice,” he said.

Qatar Olympic Committee secretary general Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani goes for the basket at the QOC Sports Zone as rally ace Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (R) and ExxonMobil chief Bert Cahir watch.  Picture: Shahjahan

Water plays a vital role in people’s lives and it also provides the opportunity for recreation and develop competitive skills. Water sports thus formed an important element of the day’s programme.

A variety of sailing, rowing and canoe-kayak events, designed to encourage all people to try water sports and follow a healthy lifestyle, were held on the occasion. A variety of boats were  moored on the shore, with experts explaining how the accurate usage of sails, masts and rigging allow the vessels to sail and how taking advantage of the wind makes the boats ‘fly’ on the sea.

For those who were up to the challenge of an outing in the sea, a registration desk was the starting point. Under the expertise of trained sailors they enjoyed a day out in the calm waters of Doha bay.

Rowing and canoe-kayak activities took place at the Sheraton Bay. Ergometers, indoor rowers, were also placed ashore with experts demonstrating the ideal technique, rhythm and movement of a rower and inspiring all those who gathered there  to try it out.

Watersports lovers also took part in the canoe-kayak race on a specially designed water racing track.

“The day is a great opportunity for us to learn more about so many different sports, practice activities and adopt a healthy lifestyle”, said Henry, a participant.

“It is a great day for Qatar. The day offers the perfect occasion for everyone to develop a healthy lifestyle, practice sport and learn about the benefits of physical activity,” said Henry’s wife Sonia.

Events at the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Sports Zone drew men, women and children to a wide variety of sports and created a festive atmosphere, further enhancing the values of Qatar’s National Vision 2030.

‘Be Fit’ competition was also launched on the occasion and drew many people, men and women. The many participants will commit to a weight-loss process, closely monitored by VLCC experts, further promoting the concept of a healthy lifestyle and being in the contest for the 250,000QR top prize.

As the Sports Zone will remain open until February 16, everyone will have the opportunity to participate and practice sports and learn more on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.