Doha, February 10 (QNA) - The Ministry of Justice and the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers celebrated the National Sports Day by holding joint events on the campus of the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST), with broad participation from the staff of the ministry and UDST and their families.

The joint event included twelve sports activities, including walking and warm-up exercises, soccer, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, tug of war, foot bowling (kickball), trampolining, and target shooting.

The activities also included sports events for children aimed at helping them internalize a culture of sport and interest in physical activity from an early age, and reinforcing awareness of the significance of practicing sport as a healthy lifestyle for all age groups, including jump rope, sack races, and face painting.

Health awareness and educational activities were organized concurrently, including an on-site health fair where health guidance was provided and biometric screenings were offered to participants, aiming to enhance health awareness among staff and their families and guide them toward healthy lifestyles that promote community safety awareness and improve quality of life.

The event also showcased friendly contests between participants from the two government institutions, culminating in the distribution of cups and medals to the winners, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and elation throughout the celebration.

The Ministry of Justice and the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers underlined the importance of this participation in building a healthy community capable of keeping up with modern lifestyles, epitomizing the objectives of Amiri Decision No. (80) of 2011, on the adoption of the nation's National Sports Day, with adherence to the standards and conditions announced by the Sports Day Committee.

Overall, the UDST activities were marked by their diversity and engagement of participants across different age groups, with a strong emphasis on encouraging employees to adopt physical activity as a sustainable healthy lifestyle.

The variety of wellness activities was carefully designed to accommodate participants’ different ages and health conditions, ensuring their safety and preventing fatigue or injuries.

The event also featured a friendly walking contest organized by the Public Relations and Communications Department, which awarded prizes to the 25 participants who were among the first to achieve 10,000 steps during the morning of the National Sports Day.

On the margins of the ministry's events, HE Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali bin Issa Al Hassan Al Mohannadi emphasized that this celebration embodies the vision of the judicious leadership of the nation in strengthening the culture of sports and making it part of community life, as it plays a pivotal role in enhancing physical and mental health, as well as building a vibrant society capable of keeping up with the requirements of modern life.

The minister pointed out that the aforementioned Amiri Decision underscores the attention the nation gives to humans, as they represent the lynchpin of development, stressing that the adoption of this day reflects Qatar's commitment to having a sport-supporting environment in place for all age groups, thereby helping improve quality of life and reinforcing social cohesion.

For his part, HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice Saeed bin Abdullah Al Suwaidi affirmed the Ministry's commitment to promoting a culture of physical activity, and raising awareness among employees of its health benefits. He noted that the Ministry was keen to empower employees to practice sports, stemming from its belief in the positive impact of physical activity on enhancing job performance, improving public health, and achieving a balance between professional and community life.

His Excellency said that the Ministry works to provide a motivating work environment that encourages employees to adopt sport as a sustainable lifestyle, through organizing sporting events, supporting various health initiatives, and participating in different sports occasions held in the country, including initiatives of the Qatar Sport For All Federation, with which the Ministry has a sports partnership.

He added that the Ministry intends to organize a Ramadan sports tournament for its employees as a step aimed at continuing along this path, reinforcing this culture among Ministry staff, and maximizing health benefits for all, in a way that positively impacts the health of citizens and residents and enhances their efficiency and productivity in the workplace.

In turn, Assistant Undersecretary for State Litigation Affairs at the Ministry of Justice Jassim Saleh Al Kuwari said that the diversity of sports activities organized today by the Ministry of Justice and the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, and their consideration of different age groups and health conditions, reflects attention to employees’ interests. He noted that preparing a sports program reinforces the importance of practicing sport as a regular behavior and ongoing activity.

The Assistant Undersecretary for State Litigation Affairs added that this positive and interactive atmosphere helps strengthen social bonds among employees and their families, and reinforces a culture of health awareness and prevention.

For his part, Assistant Undersecretary for Shared Services Affairs Khamis Mohammed Al Buafrah Al Kuwari affirmed that the Ministry of Justice’s keenness to organize diverse activities on National Sport Day reflects its commitment to providing a healthy and motivating work environment. He noted that such activities contribute to enhancing employee performance and increasing job satisfaction, in addition to strengthening positive communication, teamwork, and a spirit of collaboration among employees. He pointed out that the Ministry provided all necessary services to ensure that employees and their families enjoyed the perfect sporting environment on the day, with the hope that it could motivate them to sustain the regular practice of sports.

Meanwhile, Assistant Undersecretary for Real Estate Registration and Authentication Affairs Amer Saeed Al Ghafri noted that sport represents a fundamental element in building a healthy and balanced society. He highlighted that the employees’ participation in National Sport Day activities contributes to raising awareness of the importance of physical activity and consolidating the concept of sport as a sustainable lifestyle, with positive reflections on public health and productivity.

He added that the strong turnout of the Ministry of Justice employees and staff of the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers on this day reflects the success of mobilization and awareness efforts regarding the importance of sport, as well as employees’ awareness of its significance in their professional and practical lives.

For his part, Assistant Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Mubarak Saad Al Hajri stressed the importance of the broad participation of Ministry of Justice employees in National Sport Day activities, which align with national orientations aimed at enhancing quality of life, spreading awareness of the importance of regular physical activity, and supporting initiatives that encourage employees to adopt healthy lifestyles that contribute to building a positive and sustainable work environment.

Al Hajri also emphasized the importance of the organizational efforts undertaken on this day to engage employees and integrate them into a collective sporting environment that renews energy, vitality, and enthusiasm, and inspires everyone anew with the importance of continuing this activity as a way of life throughout the year. (QNA)