Doha: Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) announced the launch of the Sport For Development And Peace Initiative in contribution with Qatar Charity and other partners.
The launch of the initiative aligns with Qatar's annual National Sport Day that takes place on the second Tuesday of February, that shows the country’s dedication to sports and sports-related activities to promote the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle.
The initiative will be funding several sport-related projects that use sport as an effective tool for humanitarian, development, and peace building efforts in different countries.
The initiative of QFFD, Qatar Charity and other partners aims to reach more communities to capitalise on the positive values of sport. It also advocates community building, personal development, and well-being, to empower and inspire disadvantaged children and young people as well as leverage the contribution of sports to the sustainable development Goals.
The field programmes and activities of the initiative aims to enhance life skills, social inclusion and conflict resolution.
QFFD’s Director-General Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari said: “Sport is a powerful tool to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly in QFFD’s focal areas education, health and economic development. Sport and play are vital for the holistic development of young people, fostering their physical, social, and emotional health, improving learning outcomes and transmitting key values such as teamwork, fair play, respect for others, adherence to rules or how to cope with competition, winning and losing.
“These values are important life and employability skills, and they are highly relevant for the rebuilding of post-conflict societies. Sport encourages healthy lifestyles, physical inactivity being a major risk factor for the most common chronic diseases, and it promotes mental well-being and inclusion for at-risk communities such as refugees or internally displaced people. Sport is a school of life, and we are proud to be a part of this inspiring initiative.”
CEO of Qatar Charity Yousef Al Kuwari said: “With a track record of 38 years saving lives during crises and developing sustainable solutions to poverty and social inequalities, we have leveraged multiple innovative tools that accelerate and support the effective delivery of humanitarian and development programs. Sports is one of the most powerful tools we have found to bring people together across all boundaries for one shared vision.”
Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) Hassan Al Thawadi said: “Generation Amazing is pleased to support the Sport for Development and Peace Initiative and is privileged to partner with the Qatar Fund for Development, Qatar Charity, and ICSS to expand GA’s role in enacting Qatar’s Human and Social development goals, both nationally and internationally.”
