SC Opens Three Public Parks to Mark Qatar Sport Day

Doha, February 11 (QNA) - The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) marked Qatar National Sports Day 2020 by opening three public parks. The parks are located at Al Bayt Stadium, Al Janoub Stadium and the former Al Ersal Station training sites cluster, which is located in Onaiza, near West Bay. Each park features tennis and basketball courts, children's play areas, jogging, and cycling tracks, open spaces and workout equipment. Opening the parks illustrates Qatar's legacy commitment to harness the power of hosting the FIFA World Cup to inspire health and fitness throughout the population. HE SC Secretary-General Hassan Al Thawadi, said: "We are proud to open three public parks on our country's National Sport Day. These facilities will boost local communities by providing open spaces for a vast range of leisure activities. We are pleased to be showcasing the legacy of Qatar 2022 almost three years before the tournament kicks off." Al Bayt Park hosted special National Sports Day activities for the Qatar Football Family, including employees from the SC, Qatar Football Association and Qatar Stars League. Meanwhile, members of the local community were invited to enjoy the facilities at Al Janoub Park and Al Ersal Park. CEO of Qatar Stars League (QSL) Hani Ballan said that Al Bayt Stadium Park is an icon of the 2022 Qatar World Cup Stadium, adding that many activities and events for the Sport Day have been organized. He added: "As is well known, Qatar Sport Day is a popular interaction for citizens and residents on the soil of Qatar by establishing the concept of sport and its impact on our lives in a positive way... It is considered one of the important gains for the state that will be remembered by future generations." Ballan explained that the activities of the Sport Day in Al Bayt Stadium Park were not limited to those affiliated with the football family, but also included families and workers in the Al Khor area, which is already a legacy not only for the people of Al Khor but for the people of Qatar in general. Secretary-General of Qatar Football Association Mansour Al Ansari said that the Sport Day is an opportunity for the football family to practice sports activities on the initiative of all governmental and private institutions. He said, "This year, the Sport Day celebrations were transferred to the Al Bayt Stadium Park to celebrate the opening of the new facilities." He called on the public to come and enjoy the atmosphere of the wonderful place. The SC's Yasir Al Jamal, Chairman, Operations Office, and Vice Chairman of the Technical Delivery Office, said: "These parks showcase our commitment to ensuring the tournament infrastructure we are developing will be utilized by the current population, along with future generations. The opening of these parks follows initial consultations we held with local communities in an effort to develop the facilities they need." Al Janoub Stadium became the second tournament-ready venue for Qatar 2022 when it opened in May 2019. Al Bayt Stadium, which boasts a capacity of 60,000 and will host matches up to and including the semi-finals stage in 2022, will open later this year. The former Al Ersal Station training sites cluster hosted the Saudi Arabian team Al Hilal SFC during the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019 and will host matches during this year's Workers' Cup. (QNA)