Washington D.C. - February 14, 2024 – This February, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Washington D.C. joined hands with esteemed partners The Washington Nationals Baseball Team, Youth Baseball Academy, Leveling the Playing Field, and Van Ness Elementary School to celebrate Qatar National Sports Day in a vibrant and engaging event.

 

Qatar National Sports Day holds a special place in the hearts of Qataris, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle nationwide. In the spirit of this celebration, the partners collaborated to organize a day-long program featuring various activities aimed at promoting physical activity, fostering cultural exchange, and instilling healthy habits among youth.

 

The event kicked off in the morning with the iconic Screech, the Washington Nationals Mascot, who enthralled attendees with information about baseball and softball registration for their Youth Baseball Academy. Additionally, health snack kits were distributed to ensure participants stayed energized throughout the day.

 

The Embassy of the State of Qatar showcased Qatari culture to parents, staff and kids in the morning at a dedicated Cultural Table, offering brochures about Qatar and Qatar National Sports Day, along with traditional Arabic coffee and dates for parents to enjoy.

 

Youth Baseball Academy and Leveling the Playing Field collaborated with Van Ness Elementary School coaches to conduct PE Class Clinics, where children engaged in a variety of baseball activities including Basepath Relay, Baserunning, Extreme Catch, Catching & Throwing, Alligator Traps, Fielding, and Coordination & Agility clinics.

 

As a gesture of support for physical education, the Embassy, in partnership with Leveling the Playing Field, supplied baseball recess kits to Van Ness Elementary School. These kits, equipped with whiffle ball bats, balls, and plastic bases, will enable students to partake in baseball and softball activities during their recess, promoting active play and teamwork.

 

The Embassy transformed the school's library into a captivating "Qatar Cultural Center," offering a myriad of activities to educate and entertain students. From cultural books and healthy snacks to immersive VR experiences featuring guided tours through iconic Qatari landmarks such as Souq Waqif and Lusail World Cup Stadium, the center provided an enriching glimpse into Qatari heritage. Additionally, children had the opportunity to try on traditional Qatari clothing and, learn Arabic calligraphy.

 

The event served as a testament to the enduring friendship between Qatar and the United States while highlighting the importance of sports, culture, and healthy living in building stronger communities.