Doha, May 2 (QNA) - The Winter Sports Development Programme officially launched today at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena, as part of the Qatar - Canada and Mexico 2026 Cultural Years initiative. The programme is held through a strategic partnership between the Qatar Winter Sports Committee and the Cultural Years initiative under Qatar Museums, aiming to strengthen the presence of winter sports in the country and promote cultural and sporting exchange with nations around the world.

This ambitious programme serves as an integrated platform combining sport and culture, offering interactive experiences and specialized activities designed to raise awareness of ice sports. It also supports the development of local talent and fosters collaboration with international expertise, particularly from Canada and Mexico.

The event featured a vibrant sporting and diplomatic atmosphere, highlighted by an official opening ceremony attended by HE Ambassador of Canada to Qatar,  Karim Morcos; HE Ambassador of Mexico to Qatar, Jose Guillermo Ordorica; and Chairman of the Qatar Winter Sports Committee,Majed Rashid Al Sulaiti. The event included the ceremonial puck drop to signal the start of an exhibition ice hockey match between amateur players from Qatar and Canada-based residents.

The programme also included curling demonstrations, giving the public an opportunity to try the sport under the supervision of specialized coaches, as well as educational and training sessions in ice skating. Participants of all ages were able to engage directly with winter sports, while families enjoyed a range of cultural entertainment activities. A diverse selection of Qatari, Canadian, and Mexican cuisine was also featured, reflecting the spirit of cultural diversity and openness embodied by the Cultural Years initiative.

Majed Rashid Al Sulaiti praised the strong public turnout, which exceeded expectations, noting the event's success in attracting a diverse audience that actively engaged with the Cultural Years activities in collaboration with Qatar Museums, chaired by HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani.

He added that such strong participation highlights the importance of cultural initiatives in fostering communication between peoples, as well as the committee's commitment to organizing joint events with countries worldwide to promote cultural exchange. He emphasized that engagement with Canadian and Mexican cultures contributes to enriching dialogue and mutual understanding. (QNA)