On the occasion of Qatar National Sport Day, which reflects the aspirations and vision of the country in supporting youth participation in sports and highlighting the benefits of activities, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the United States of America celebrated the National Sports Day on Tuesday February 12 2019, with the participation of the Redskins Foundation, and many students from schools in Maryland and Washington, DC.

Tanya Snyder, wife of Redskins owner Dan Snyder, Redskins Team President Bruce Allen and a number of current players, including Vernon Davis, Josh Norman, Chris Thompson and other players and members of the Executive Committee of the Group attended the event.

‘Exciting day’

“Thank you for joining us today, and sharing an exciting day of sports,” Qatar's ambassador to the United States, Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al-Thani, said in a speech on the occasion.

“We are happy to share this day of activities with you, and with children from our community,” he added.

He noted that Qatar has dedicated a national holiday to sports in 2011 because “we firmly believe in the power of sports to bring people together, and to boost the quality of life for individuals”.

“We are proud to be one of few countries worldwide and the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to dedicate a day for sports to citizens in Qatar,” he said. “Sport activities are front and center in Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy to strengthen its national identity, invest in human resources and build a resilient society,” he added.

The ambassador noted as well that people all over Qatar had their athletic outfits on this special day, and participated with friends and family in physical competitions and outdoor activities. “It is a day to reflect on our habits, and try to adopt a healthier lifestyle,” he said.

“Sport has proven to be a powerful tool to strengthen social ties, and to promote solidarity, fraternity and tolerance, as well as social integration and economic development,” he added.

The ambassador also noted that each year, on April 6, the world commemorates the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, as an initiative by the United Nations to promote development and peace.  

“This is why we celebrate this day with such enthusiasm, and why we’re so excited to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Doha,” the ambassador added.

“Celebrating Sports Day has enable us to have a new partnership with the Washington Redskins and the Redskins Charitable Foundation. We are proud to be able to work with an organization dedicated to the Qatari community and to promote an active lifestyle,” he said.

More than 500 children participated

Deputy Chief of Mission Dr. Hamad Mohammed Hussein Al-Muftah stressed the importance of the National Sports Day of the State of Qatar, as the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Washington, DC, has organized this day in cooperation with the Redskins Club and its foundation.

"More than 500 children and students from various schools around the capital have participated in this day, which is a unique opportunity to participate in the country's national sports day," he said.

He also noted that the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Washington, DC, celebrates the National Sports Day with young people across the United States under the initiative of Public Diplomacy and Sports Diplomacy, and with the partnership of various organizations and foundations in the United States.

“We will organize many events and activities that join Qatar’s preparations to host many future tournaments ahead of the 2022 World Cup, Dr, Al-Muftah noted.

“These events will provide a great opportunity for partnership with the local community and to learn more about Qatar's culture and traditions,” he said.

Redskins Team President Bruce Allen praised in a speech on the occasion the State of Qatar's initiative in celebrating Sports Day and sporting activities that benefit the youth.

"We are all proud that we can help these children from a large number of schools from many districts near Washington, DC to adopt new patterns of healthy lives," he said.

“Days like today really help highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle and encourage young people to enjoy daily exercises,” said Jane Rodgers, Executive Director of the Redskins Charitable Foundation.

“We are grateful that Qatar is supporting us in helping local students stay active. Qatar’s support will enable us as well to expand our sports program throughout the DMV,” she said.

On the sidelines of the event, the students had the opportunity to learn about Qatari culture through a special exhibit featuring virtual headsets to discover Souq Waqif, an open-air market and a cultural hub in Doha. As well as they toured the Qatar Foundation International’s stand enjoying the opportunity to learn Arabic language.