AILYN AGONIA

DOHA HER Highness Sheikha Moza witnessed the launch of Doha 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Bid Committee official logo, slogan ‘Inspiring Change’ and website at Reach Out to Asia’s fifth annual Wheels ‘n’ Heels community event at the Museum of Islamic Art Park in Doha on Friday.

Reach Out to Asia (ROTA) Chairperson HE Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad al Thani several top Qatari officials, including Qatar Olympic Committee Secretary-General Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman al Thani and Arabian Gulf region’s first female sport icon Nada Zeidan and mountain climber and ROTA Brand Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla al Thani were also present on the occasion.

Moments after the international cyclists completed Tour De Qatar race, the countdown clock for the unveiling of logo and slogan of the Doha 2020 Olympic bid turned zero.

Doha 2020 bid Chief Executive Officer Noora al Mannai unveiled the logo and slogan that will help in bringing the Olympic Torch for the first time in the Middle East.

Inspired by the Arabic word for Doha, ‘addawha’ - or ‘the nurturing tree’, which means a place of generosity and nurturing in Arabic poetry, the logo captures the essence of modern Doha which is fast turning into a place of nurturing and learning.

‘Inspiring Change’, the bid slogan, demonstrates the impact which Olympic and Paralympic Games will have in the region. It also reflects the major upheavals during the last one-year across the Middle East and North Africa. It also shows Qatar’s vision and commitment for development of sports.

During the ceremony, HE Sheikha Mayassa, Doha 2020 Vice-Chairperson, said: “Today is an important moment for us as we demonstrate our resolve and vision for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games bid.

Our logo and slogan reflect the uniqueness of Doha as a city and the citadels to be captured if the Games are to come to the Arab world for the first time.

“We want to inspire more people across the region, particularly girls and women, to opt for sport and embrace the values of Olympics. Awarding 2020 Games to Doha will offer a historic opportunity for the growth of Olympic in a new region at a crucial moment in its history.” After the unveiling function, Noora al Mannai said, “Doha has consistently demonstrated its firm commitment in becoming a global sports hub. Qatar's pioneering National Vision for 2030 charts a clear journey, where sport is key to our nation's future, not just in the development of Olympians, but for people of all walks of life - with unprecedented opportunities for empowering women.

"Doha offers a gateway to a region buzzing with the energy of millions of young aspiring athletes and eager spectators - like those who are present today. To all those who have gathered here, I urge you to become heroes and champions in your own right, just like those athletes you've seen here," he said.

Participants at the event were encouraged to write questions and make comments about the Olympic bid on pieces of paper shaped like leaves of the nurturing tree, thereby encouraging all to have a stake in Doha's bid.

The event itself - Wheels n' Heels - tries to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles in Qatar every year. But this year, the charitable community event was about more than personal improvement. The unveiling ceremony was a rallying effort for all the youth present to harness their energy and combine it with the values of Olympism - excellence, friendship and respect - to help bring the Games of the XXXII Olympics to Doha.

Doha is competing against five other cities for the right to host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games - Baku, Istanbul, Madrid, Rome and Tokyo. The IOC will select Candidate Cities in May, 2012 and the 2020 host city will be elected in Buenos Aires in September, 2013.

With the population of the Middle East expected to reach seven hundred million by the end of decade, hosting the Games in Qatar would allow the IOC to join Qatar and the region on an exciting and spirited road to change.

Qatari athletes will accompany Doha 2020 to submit the official Applicant File on February 14 in Lausanne, Switzerland. Meanwhile, the Doha 2020 Bid Committee will participate in a 'Fun Run' at Qatar's first ever National Sports Day at the Aspire Zone in Dopa. National Sports Day is globally unique public holiday established by the Emir His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani to encourage citizens to engage in sport.