Qatar Foundation officials during the media briefing yesterday.
DOHA: Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Education City will host National Sport Day activities on February 10, featuring a mix of recreational and competitive activities aimed at promoting fitness, participation, and community engagement.
Running from 7am to 3pm, the programme will include the Education City Run, ladies-only events, the Women’s Fitness Challenge, and a range of family-friendly activities, positioning Education City as a key destination for National Sport Day.
The Peninsula spoke to Qatar Foundation officials overseeing the activities during the National Sport Day media briefing held yesterday.
Head of Sports Programming at QF Engagement and Activation, Hamad Al Shaiba said the celebrations would span multiple venues across Education City to ensure inclusive participation.
“There will be events at the Oxygen Park with special activities for Qatar Foundation students, in addition to events taking place across other areas within Education City,” Al Shaiba said. “We have designed diverse activities that are open to all segments of the community.” He added that the programme includes running competitions alongside sports such as football and basketball, with matches organised for girls and youth. “The goal of National Sport Day is to encourage everyone to be active and to welcome all members of the community to participate in Qatar Foundation’s events,” he added.
Al Shaiba also highlighted sustainability as a key focus. “Education City will be car-free on the day, supporting sustainability and allowing for smooth and safe movement between facilities.”
Speaking about new additions this year, Al Shaiba said the day will host a wider range of women’s competitions. “We will also introduce the Blue Run along the road leading to Education City, with age categories covering 10km, 5km, and 2.5km races, as well as an 800-metre race for children aged three to six.”
Head of Events at QF Events and Protocol, Hend Al Thawadi said Education City Stadium will once again play a central role as a women-only venue. “Education City Stadium will be the only ladies-only venue in Qatar on National Sport Day,” she said. “It will host the Women and Girls’ Football Finals, in partnership with Volkswagen, honouring the winners of a league that began in October.”
Al Thawadi added that the stadium will also feature the fourth edition of the obstacle course, delivered in collaboration with the Running Club. “This partnership with two local Qatari founders reflects our approach to community engagement, where initiatives are created by the community, for the community,” she said.
She noted that all food, merchandise, and activations at the venue are led by female-owned businesses. “From modest sportswear designed by women for women to food and beverage offerings, everything supports women-led entrepreneurship.”
New this year is the introduction of Health Talks, with sessions focusing on women’s wellbeing. “One discussion will explore motherhood in sports, led by tennis player Ons Jabeur, while another session by Sidra Medicine will address women’s health, hormones, and physical activity,” Al Thawadi said.
To support mothers, a supervised childcare area has been created, allowing women to participate in activities with peace of mind. Fitness offerings will also include megaformer classes, spinning, stretching, and Pilates, alongside a preview of the Creating Pathways programme for younger girls, featuring fencing and athletics.
Participation has grown steadily, Al Thawadi said. “This is our fifth Sports Day at the stadium, and it has become a familiar destination for women. We encourage both local and expatriate women to join us.” In parallel, Workers Welfare Manager at QF Employee Relations, Abdullah Al Mohannadi said National Sport Day will mark the conclusion of the Shukran Cup tournaments, an annual sports event that showcases the importance of sports in encouraging healthy lifestyles among workforces.
“The basketball and football finals will take place in the morning, followed by a ceremony honouring all winners,” he said.
