Amid a wonderful atmosphere and a remarkable public turnout, the Qatar Sports for All Federation, operating under the guidance of the Ministry of Sports and Youth, organized the Sustainable Development Run last Saturday morning. The event was held in partnership with Education City, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Ambassadors Center, featuring a 600-meter race at Oxygen Park with the participation of over 150 SDG Ambassadors.

The gathering of participants began at 3:00 p.m., followed by group warm-up exercises in the main area. Competitors then carried the Sustainable Development Goals torch in a 300-meter group walk, joined by parents in a symbolic march.

From the race start at 3:50 p.m., the atmosphere was filled with energy, enthusiasm, and competitive spirit, alongside a sense of fun and togetherness that reflected the true meaning of the slogan “Sports for All.”

The event went beyond a traditional race — it became a sporting and recreational carnival, thanks to strong family participation, which encouraged everyone to engage in community sports and enjoy a blend of competition and collective participation.

The second round of the race concluded with the crowning of the top three winners in each category, who received medals and prizes, along with encouragement awards presented to all participants who completed the race — in recognition of their participation and to promote sportsmanship.

Mr. Abdullah Al-Dosari, Executive Director of the Qatar Sports for All Federation, stated that the race was launched as part of Qatar Sustainability Week celebrations for students of the SDG Ambassadors Center, providing them with a healthy, athletic, and educational environment focused on sustainability and well-being.

He explained that the race is part of a series of initiatives aimed at spreading the culture of physical activity as a lifestyle, while also promoting environmental awareness and sustainability principles through sports.

Al-Dosari stressed the importance of adopting sports activities as an effective means to improve physical fitness across all age groups and to enhance environmental consciousness, noting that the partnership between the Federation and Education City has led to organizing numerous diverse sporting events and competitions.

Ms. Eman Al-Obaidi, Executive Director of the SDG Ambassadors Center, stated that the participation of ambassadors in the race aimed to promote the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by setting up 17 themed stations, where participants solved puzzle challenges related to each goal.

She added that the event helped introduce children to community sports activities, emphasizing that the race evolved into a family gathering bringing together parents and children in a joyful sporting atmosphere, reflecting that sports have become an integral part of community life.

The Sustainable Development Marathon forms part of the Sports for All strategy, which seeks to make physical activity a key element of daily life while raising awareness of the importance of environmental sustainability.