02.12.2008
Speaking following the announcement, Mr Hassan said: “This is a marvellous initiative by the Qatar National Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Education. The children of today are being offered the chance of becoming the world-class sportsmen and sportswomen of tomorrow.”
“The School Olympic Year, together with Doha’s current Bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2016 will, I believe inspire all the children living in Qatar to become involved in sports, to develop their innate talents, to aspire to succeed in sport and in life.”
“In addition, the Olympic School Year and the Doha 2016 Bid will develop the core Olympic values of respect, understanding and friendship among the young people of Qatar, thereby offering the Olympic Movement a unique opportunity to unite this whole region with the rest of the world through peaceful sport.”
The School Olympic Year announcement was made by the Minister of Education and Secretary General of the Supreme Education Council (SEC) H E Sheikha Ahmed Al Mahmoud.
The joint decision by the Ministry and the Qatar National Olympic Committee emanates from their belief in the importance of physical education in preparing good and healthy citizens who would be able to serve their country, the official statement said.
An executive committee has been formed to coordinate between the Olympic Committee and the SEC and Ministry of Education in organising the school Olympic activities. Sheikh Saoud bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee, has been appointed chairman of the committee.
ENDS