(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
Doha: Thousands of football fans were treated to a colourful display of cultural and entertainment activities during a series of events to mark 200 days to go until the FIFA World Cup, recently.
The main activities centred on the FIFA World Cup Trophy send-off events, which were held across the country at locations including Aspire Park, Lusail Marina, Souq Waqif and Msheireb Downtown Doha.
The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) arranged 38 community groups to perform at the events while fans were photographed with the trophy. The art, music, dance and other stage performances were displayed by groups representing Qatar, India, Ghana, Uganda, Egypt, Morocco, Palestine, Jordan, Syria and Colombia. In addition, fans enjoyed a range of activities, including football simulation games and arts and crafts. The SC also organised a special photo opportunity with the trophy for community group leaders.
Khaled Al Suwaidi, the SC's Stakeholder Relations Director, said:“Our community groups contributed a great deal to this series of events. They helped create a festive atmosphere while showcasing the culturally enriching experience people can expect when they visit Qatar for the FIFA World Cup later this year.”
Al Suwaidi continued:“Community engagement continues to play an important role in our preparations for the tournament. Over the past decade we have built close relationships with many community groups and involved them fully in a vast range of key milestones. Their excitement has been unwavering from the start and we look forward to continuing this journey during the lead-up to the tournament and during the event.”
Abdul Jabar Faris, from the Palestinian Salam dance group, said excitement for Qatar 2022 is at an all-time high.
“We performed at Souq Waqif, Msheireb and Asian Town and the reception has been amazing. It's so uplifting to see people of all ages and nationalities enjoying our dancing, even though they might not understand the lyrics. It's a sensational feeling to know that the next time we see the trophy will be when it is lifted at Lusail Stadium on 18 December. Everyone will feel like a winner that day because we all came together to host a successful and historic global event.”
During the spectacular trophy send-off finale at Katara, which was attended by more than 10,000 fans and Brazilian legend Cafu, Colombian dance group Ballet Folclórico Latinoamericano proved one of the most popular attractions. Group founder Yulyer Prada said it was an honour to share their traditions with local people.
“These performances help our children learn more about their heritage while sharing our culture with people in Qatar. It is a pleasure to promote the World Cup to Latin audiences and we are proud to have supported many events in Qatar over the years. At the end of the day, it's a beautiful exchange of cultures – we are connecting through our common love of dance, music and football.”
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