DOHA 17 November 2024 — Her Excellency Philippine Ambassador to the State of Qatar Lillibeth V. Pono championed sportsmanship, determination, and the pursuit of excellence in the 17th Bayanihan Qatar Federation Sports Festival at the Aspire Ladies Sports Hall on 15 November 2024.

Participated in by nearly 300 Filipinos from about 30 grassroots organizations in the service and construction sectors, the day-long event featured competitions in volleyball, basketball, table tennis, traditional games, and cheerdancing.

In her welcome remarks, Ambassador Pono said Filipinos’ love for sports resonates with the dynamic sports culture in Qatar.

“Despite differences in our provincial roots and way of doing things, we are united in celebrating the value of sports as a way of bringing members of the Filipino community in Qatar together,” she said.

She added, “In sports, we learn how it is to work hard and still fail, to pick oneself up, and muster the courage to be better. In sports, we learn the value of discipline and hard work. In sports, we come to terms with the notion that nothing worth having ever comes easy.”

For more information, visit dohape.dfa.gov.ph, facebook.com/PHinQatar, or instagram.com/phinqatar.