HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF) chairperson, joined more than 10,000 visitors on Tuesday at Education City to celebrate the National Sport Day (NSD).

Kicking off the day’s activities, Sheikha Moza, along with QF vice chairperson HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, and HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad al-Thani, launched the popular annual walkathon.

The NSD celebrations at QF were under the theme of ‘Unlock Your Inner Athlete.’ The event featured over 60 different activities designed to encourage healthier, more active lifestyles.

The programme reflected QF’s commitment to creating and shaping a healthy, physically active society, while inspiring Qatari citizens to make positive, long-lasting changes in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Hosted by Sidra Medical and Research Centre, the 3km walkathon commenced outside Hamad bin Khalifa University’s Student Centre. The route weaved past Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Texas A&M University at Qatar, and Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, as well as QF’s state-of-the-art headquarters building. The walkathon concluded in the brand-new Oxygen Park.

QF president Saad al-Muhannadi said: “Qatar Foundation participates in National Sport Day every year in order to encourage its employees to play sports and adopt healthy, active lifestyles. We strive to inspire members of the community to exercise daily, while aiming to educate individuals about the importance of playing sports all year-round.”

QF administration’s group executive director Fahad al-Qahtani said the event promotes a strengthening sports culture in Qatar, and informs community members about the importance of living healthy lifestyles.

After the walkathon, participants were free to take part in other activities, which ranged from volleyball, basketball and football tournaments, to traditional games and group fitness classes. This included carrom, tug of war, Zumba and Crossfit, which catered to men, women and children of all athletic abilities. In addition, events were held specifically for QF staff, as well as those with special needs, and ladies-only events were offered by both venues.

QF capital projects and facilities management group executive director Jassim Telefat said Qatar is the first country in the world to dedicate an entire day to sport.

Oxygen Park also hosted pony rides organised by Al Shaqab for children aged between 5 and 13. This activity was supported by ExxonMobil, a major sponsor for Al Shaqab and numerous other QF projects.