The National Sport Day (NSD) celebrations organised by Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) are rapidly taking shape as the NSD organising committee at AZF puts the finishing touches to this year’s programme of activities.
AZF and its member organisations, Aspire Academy, Aspetar and Aspire Logistics, are organising more than 20 unique events for all members of the community to enjoy what promises to be a varied and rich programme of activity.
As with previous years, local community members will celebrate National Sport Day at AZF’s world-class outdoor and indoor facilities this year, with plans for everyone, no matter their age or level of fitness.
Speaking on the NSD preparations, Nasser Abdullah Al Hajri, Chairman of the NSD Organising Committee at AZF, said that the quality and range of sporting activities on offer at Aspire has surged in recent years. As a result, Aspire has been one of the main drivers behind the sports scene in Qatar, organising world-class events and providing numerous opportunities for the local community to get active.
Over the past seven years, Aspire Zone Foundation has become the top destination in Qatar for National Sport Day celebrations, thanks to its diverse range of activities, which cater for all ages and levels of fitness.
AZF’s mission is to nurture the physical, mental and psychological well-being of the community, particularly the young people. We also support Qatar’s vision of creating a culture of sports and physical activity among members of the community. As a result, we plan to put on another spectacular show.’
Aspire Zone will be buzzing with activity from morning to night
Early risers will be able to take part in activities early on in the day, as Aspire Park will be open around the clock for walking and jogging, until the first round of activities begins.
Fun Run. The Fun Run activity, one of the most popular events in the programme, is back by popular demand and will be open to all members of the community, including men, women, families, children and persons with special needs. It will include a 2.5-kilometre course around the Khalifa International Stadium. Registration for the race will start at 6:30 am until 7:30 am. The race will start at 8 am in between Khalifa International Stadium and the Torch Hotel.
Dodgeball. Dodgeball is now included in the wide range of activities that visitors can expect from AZF. It’s similar to a handball game, where players on two teams try to throw balls at each other while avoiding being hit themselves. The event will begin at 9 am and will last until 3 pm, at Football Pitch 10.
Nordic Walk. Aspetar teams from the Exercise is Medicine programme will offer a two-hour Nordic walking activity from 11 am at Aspetar’s West Wing. Nordic Walking is low impact, delivers total body fitness, increases cardio fitness, burns calories and activates 90% of the body’s muscles. It is a ‘total body’ version of walking that can be enjoyed by non-athletes as a healthy physical activity. In addition to walking, the activity will include fun games and different exercises for stretching, balancing and conditioning.
Japanese Kendo. In collaboration with the Japanese embassy in Qatar, Football Pitch 10 will host Kendo shows, one of the oldest martial arts in the world that originates in Japan. Audiences will be able to watch and participate from 9 am to 12 pm.
Play Area. AZF is also organising many activities aimed at families and children on Football Pitch 10. These will include jumping castles, miniature football, basketball, volleyball, obstacle jumping, telematch games, and more. These will run from 9 am to 3 am.
Discover Your Potential at Aspire Dome
Aspire Dome will host a variety of activities for families and friends, including running, hammer throwing, plyometric challenges, and a 200 metre bike race from 9 am to 4 pm. Aspire Dome’s activities typically attract up to 2,500 people because they offer such a diverse and rewarding set of challenges for all ages which increases endurance, strength and flexibility.
In addition, the Sports Science and Football Performance Department at Aspire is organising several football-related activities, including shooting, dribbling and more. The Dome will also host several fun and challenging activities by the Multi Sports Development Programme.
Football enthusiasts will also have the chance to watch the best teams go head to head in the finals of the Aspire Football League. Six teams from the Football Talent Centre and Feeder Group generations will compete for the title this year.
The Academy’s Education and Student Affairs Department is organising a Team Building event, including multiple games fostering crucial educational values.
Namat Physical Activity and Health Education Stations
Namat, AZF’s initiative to promote physical activity, is organising three sessions across Aspire Zone to spread awareness of the importance of physical activity and health. Aspetar experts will be available at Aspire Park, near Burgery Restaurant (8 am – 11 am), Step into Health Booth near the lake (8 am – 11 am), and near the Torch Hotel (11 am – 1 pm) to answer questions and provide best practice tips on physical activity and health.
Activities for Everyone
In addition to public activities, AZF will also be organising a wide range of activities for its employees at Football Pitch 10, including a volleyball competition featuring 12 teams of seven players each, and dedicated fitness classes for women from 10:30 am to 1 pm.
More details will be made available by the organising committee through the Life in Aspire mobile application and website, and its various social media channels.