Qatar's Annual National Sports Day

Designated in 2011 and first celebrated in 2012, the second Tuesday of February each year is recognized as Qatar National Sports Day. So, what is this holiday, why is it so special and how does one participate?

Keep reading to find out….

wHAT IS QATAR NATIONAL DAY?

Qatar National Sports Day is designed to promote the benefits of physical activity and highlight the health risks associated with an inactive lifestyle. It is a day where citizens and residents are encouraged to take part in a wide-variety of activities related to sports and fitness.

what is special about this day?

Treated as a major holiday - a significant number of business and all schools/nurseries are closed. Even my husband has the day off, which is saying something! Those businesses that are open typically include ones related to the health & fitness industry, which in part offer opportunities for celebrating the holiday.

According to our government website, Hukoomi, a goal of the holiday is to highlight Qatari culture and heritage with the traditional Al Shawahef rowing championships. (Though I’ve not been able to confirm details about if/when the championships are taking place this year.)

how to participate?

I Love Qatar has shared a list of events taking place around Doha. These include activities at local parks, festivities at some major hotels and malls, a cycling marathon, and even a triathlon at a local school.

Local fitness studios, like my favorite MegaFormer, are offering a free community class to those quick enough to sign up and snag a spot.

Personally, we will be celebrating with my husband’s company, who has graciously organized an event at a local park for the families of employees. And since this year the holiday happens to also fall on Valentine’s Day, I’ve made plans for us to spend the latter part of the day celebrating that.

One of the exciting things about living in another country is getting to participate in days/events special to that nation. When we were living in Newfoundland, it was celebrations like Canada Day, Regatta Day and Thanksgiving in October. Adopting these holidays creates a connection and makes a place feel like home long after we’ve moved away. James and I still celebrate Tibb’s Eve each year (a very fun Christmas tradition in Newfoundland).

Not that you need a holiday to understand the importance of being active, but I encourage everyone to get out and get moving February 14th, and know our family will be doing the same!