TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK

DOHA QNB will host a minimarathon for people of all ages at Aspire Park, adjacent to Villaggio Mall behind Hyatt Plaza Mall on February 14 to commemorate the National Sports Day.

QNB’s employees and their families will participate in this race, which is also open to amateurs. In the spirit of full community inclusion, people with special needs are especially invited to register and compete.

Participants are invited to register by visiting www.qnb.com.qa. The deadline for registration will be February 12.

On the sidelines of the races, a number of associated family activities will take place. Two areas will be dedicated to entertain children of all ages 12pm to 5pm. The fun zones will feature a wide range of activities and games, as well as rest areas for families next to the entertainment areas.

The mini-marathon will include races in five categories in the 3km run which starts at 2pm. The competition categories include boys and girls under the age of 18, men and women over 18, and a special race classification for people with special needs (only the wheel chaired), which will help them participate with their peers and be included in this significant new initiative to promote a healthy lifestyle.

The bank will offer cash rewards to the first 20 winners in each category. The first finisher will receive a cheque of QR20,000, while the second finisher gets QR15,000 and the third QR10,000. Winners finishing fourth to 20th will earn QR2,000 each. Appreciation certificates will also be presented to the participants.

QNB will be providing a number of medical services for participants including health advice related to the height and weight as well as conducting few medical checks on site for blood pressure and diabetes.

Speaking during a press conference, QNB Executive General Manager & Chief Operating Officer Ali Rashid al Mohannadi said that the idea for the mini marathon came from the bank’s desire to support the national vision of reinforcing regular exercise and physical activity to promote a healthy lifestyle for Qatar’s overall society and ensuring that this becomes a family as well as cultural trend in the country.

Mohannadi, who is also vice-president of the organising committee, added that QNB was one of the biggest supporters of sports in the country and is proud to have, over the years, supported and participated in many events and sporting ambitions that have helped build the foundations of Qatar’s strong sports infrastructure which is one of the major economic pillars of Qatar’s future sustainability.

He also said that all safety and health precautions were being taken in the organisation of the activities and that the Qatar Red Crescent would be ready to offer medical services with ambulances present at the venue to cover both general requirements as well as be prepared for emergencies during the race.

QNB had earlier formed a committee under the leadership of QNB Group Chief Executive Officer Ali Shareef al Emadi, including a number of staff members to implement a sports day plan to support the National Sports Day.

This committee was tasked with developing ideas and proposals in addition to commissioning feasibility and impact studies to prepare a broad sports activity programme that brings together the bank’s employees and various sections of society including individuals, governmental institutions and the private sector.