Aspire's plan for the seventh annual National Sports Day has been revealed

Aspire Zone Foundation’s (AZF) National Sport Day (NSD) celebrations are rapidly taking shape as theorganising 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 in what promises to be a varied and rich programme of activity.

As with previous years, tens of thousands of local community members will celebrate National Sport Day at AZF’s world-class outdoor and indoor facilities this year, with 2018’s plans proving once again that AZF offers something for everyone, no matter their age or level of fitness.

Commenting on the NSD preparations, Nasser Abdullah Al Hajri, Chairman of the NSD Organising Committee at AZF, said:

“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.

"Led by the pioneering vision of its leadership, AZF’s mission is to nurture the physical, mental and psychological wellbeing of the community, particularly 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.

“The quality and range of sporting activities on offer here has surged in recent years. As a result, we can proudly say that Aspire has been one of the main drivers behind enriching the sports scene in Qatar, organising world-class events and providing numerous opportunities for the local community to get active and enjoy life to the fullest.”

Aspire Zone will be buzzing with activity from morning to night. Early risers will be able to take part in AZF’S NSD activities early on in the day, as the Aspire Park will be open around the clock for walking and jogging, until the first round of activities begins. AZF’s activities on the day include:

Fun Run back by popular demand 

The Fun Run activity, one of the most popular events in AZF’s NSD programme in previous years, 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 Khalifa International Stadium. Registration for the race will begin at 6:30AM and will last until 7:30AM. The race will then start at 8:00AM in between Khalifa International Stadium and the Torch Hotel.

Dodgeball - new in this year’s programme 

Dodgeball joins the wide range of activities that visitors have come to expect from AZF. It’s similar to a handball game in which players on two teams try to throw balls at each other while avoiding being hit themselves. The event will begin at 9:00AM and will last until 3:00PM. It takes place on Football Pitch 10.

Aspetar organises Nordic walk for the second consecutive year

 Aspetar teams from the “Exercise is Medicine” programme will offer a 2-hour Nordic walking activity from 11:00AM 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 returns to Aspire Zone

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 in the sport from 9:00AM to 12:00PM.

Play area for children and families 

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 9:00AM to 3:00PM.

Challenge yourself and 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 meter bike race from 9:00AM to 4:00PM. Aspire Dome’s activities typically attract up to 2500 people because they offer such a diverse and rewarding set of challenges for all ages, increasing 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 go head to head in the finals of the Aspire Football League. Six teams from the Football Talent Centre & Feeder Group generations will compete for the title this year.

The Academy’s Education and Student Affairs Department will also be 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 (8:00 – 11:00 AM), Aspire Park, Step into Health booth near the lake (8:00 – 11:00 AM), and near the Torch Hotel (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM) to answer your questions and provide best practice tips on physical activity and health.

A wide range of internal activities for AZF’s employees

In addition to public activities, AZF will be organising a wide range of activities for its employees at Football Pitch 10, including a volleyball competition featuring 12 teams of 7 players each, and dedicated fitness classes for women from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

Many organisations and pitches open to all

Finally, AZF will also host several public and private sector entities celebrating NSD with their employees and the public.

More details will be made available by the organising committee closer to NSD through the Life in Aspire mobile application, the Life in Aspire website www.lifeinaspire.qa/NSD and AZF’s various social media channels.

 AZF invites all members of the community in Qatar to join its NSD celebrations and enjoy everything the Foundation has to offer in terms of making sport and physical activity fun and exciting.