Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, attended the National Sports Day 2026 activities at Education City, where thousands of community members took part in a wide range of events organized by Qatar Foundation to mark the occasion.
In the same context, Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, attended the State Sports Day events at Education City, including women-only activities held at Education City Stadium. Sponsored by Volkswagen Middle East—the strategic partner of Qatar Foundation’s State Sports Day events and the official partner of the fifth edition and final match of the Women’s and Girls’ Football Championship—the stadium welcomed women and girls of all ages and sporting levels, who participated with enthusiasm and determination in the championship finals. Her Excellency Sheikha Hind crowned the winning teams of the football tournament. The stadium also hosted the fourth edition of the Women’s Fitness Challenge.
The Education City Color Run attracted 1,200 female and 600 male participants, all enjoying a day filled with movement, fitness, and team competitions. The race featured varying athletic levels to suit all abilities, set within a festive, color-filled atmosphere that added excitement to the event. A portion of the race proceeds was allocated to support Education Above All Foundation, the event’s social impact partner, to help advance educational opportunities and community benefit.
Salama Ali from Qatar was among the participants in the women-only activities at Education City Stadium. She said: “I attend Sports Day every year because I want to take part in the activities dedicated to women. I love sports; today I joined the running race and will take part in other challenges. I will definitely return to this stadium, which truly impressed me.”
Yousra Al Alami from Morocco also participated in the stadium activities alongside her twin sister. Both regularly practice swimming, running, and various sports. Yousra said: “This is our first time participating in this event. It is truly wonderful and highlights the community’s commitment to empowering women, which particularly interests me.”
Reem Masoud, a certified stretching and flexibility trainer, led a morning session at Education City Stadium in collaboration with Yalla Yoga. She said: “I lead this session to promote comfort and relaxation. I believe this is a wonderful opportunity to exercise outdoors, outside my usual workplace, in a multi-activity space, which makes the experience truly special.”
Speaking about the importance of organizing women-only events, Reem explained: “This encourages women to try and explore new activities in an environment that offers privacy, comfort, and safety, and motivates them to embrace new experiences.”
At Oxygen Park in Education City, children gathered with their families to enjoy and participate in a series of engaging sports and recreational activities organized by Qatar Foundation’s “Ability Friendly” program, alongside other foundation-led events. Young people with disabilities took part in activities held in a welcoming and supportive environment, enhancing their sense of belonging, confidence, and joy.
As part of this year’s State Sports Day activities, Education City also hosted a series of health-focused panel discussions covering topics such as gut health, sustainable enhancement of vital body functions, and the spread of health misinformation in the digital age. Led by experts in these fields, the sessions provided participants with insights into mental health and resilience, along with practical advice to help them make informed health decisions.
Under the title “Debunking Common Health Myths,” Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Subaie, a Qatar Foundation alumnus and postdoctoral research fellow at Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, discussed the relationship between nutrition and physical activity.
Dr. Al-Subaie said: “State Sports Day provides an ideal platform to raise awareness about the importance of health, nutrition, and fitness in simple and engaging ways for all members of society. It serves as a reminder that movement and nutrition are two sides of the same coin, and that the body cannot benefit from physical activity without proper nutrition.”
Qatar Foundation celebrates State Sports Day annually by organizing diverse events at Education City, engaging students, staff, and the wider community. The celebration not only promotes physical activity but also highlights the values of solidarity, inclusivity, and sustained engagement in sports—underscoring the State of Qatar’s commitment to building a healthier and more active society.