(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) celebrated National Sport Day 2016 and ushered in a year of cycling in Doha by hosting a "We Ride for Doha 2016" cycling event at Qanat Quartier, The Pearl. Elsewhere, National Sport Day saw people of all ages and abilities come together and 'Be Olympic' by participating in Olympic activities across Qatar.
Speaking after the 'We Ride for Doha' event, President of the QOC, HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani said: "The Qatar Olympic Committee's We Ride for Doha 2016 event was a great way to usher in a year of cycling in Qatar. In addition to the annual Tour of Qatar, this year will see another historic first for Doha and the region with the hosting of the UCI Road World Championships in October.
"Over 1,000 cyclists from 75 countries around the world will compete in the World Championships which we hope will raise the bar for future editions, as well as inspire new audiences in the Middle East who will witness the event for the first time. It was an honour to unite with our QOC colleagues and stakeholders to celebrate this milestone year for cycling in Qatar."
The event was organised by the QOC and the United Development Company (UDC) and HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani along with the QOC Secretary General HE Dr Thani Abdulrahman al-Kuwari, led the ride for all ages and abilities.
Joining them were numerous VIPs including President of the UCI Brian Cookson, Belgian cycling legend and multi-tour winner Eddy Merckx, the Ambassadors of several nations, the presidents of Qatari Sporting Federations, as well as members of Qatar's cycling community.
'We Ride for Doha 2016', sponsored by Al-Meera, Strikke, Flash Bikes and Aspetar, took the cyclists around the scenic Qanat Quartier area of The Pearl after which participants enjoyed the QOC and UDC's numerous family-friendly sporting activities and entertainment.
Taking place on the stunning setting of The Pearl's Lido Venezia Beach, the public were able to participate in football, volleyball, basketball, fitness classes, an outdoor gym, an inflatable human foosball, wall-climbing and much more.
Cycling fans also had a chance to witness professional cyclists compete in the Tour of Qatar as they passed through The Pearl-giving them a glimpse of the excitement to expect in the upcoming UCI Road World Championships 2016 which will be held for the first time in the Middle East from October 9 to 16 in Doha.
Meanwhile, Qatar's National Sports Federations hosted a litany of activities throughout Qatar including Katara Cultural Village, the Corniche, Aspire Park and Al Gharafa as well as many others.
In the year of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Qatar's excited residents turned up in droves to celebrate NSD 2016 and 'Be Olympic' by trying over 30 different sports ranging from boxing and handball to karate, gymnastics and sailing.
Commenting on the success of this year's National Sport Day, QOC Secretary General HE Dr Thani Abdulrahman al-Kuwari said: "It is a hugely important year for sport in Qatar and around the world and we were extremely pleased to see so many of Qatar's residents celebrate the National Sport Day and share the Olympic spirit by participating in sporting activities across the country.
"It is our hope that the NSD kick-starts an active and healthy lifestyle amongst all residents, as well as inspires young people across our nation to be Qatar's future Olympic heroes."
National Sport Day is an annual event celebrated across Qatar on the second Tuesday of February. Qatar is one of very few countries in the world having a public holiday dedicated to sport and it aims to bring the nation together in a shared celebration of sport and inspire people to lead active and healthy lifestyles.
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