19 February 2018 DOHA – The Philippine Embassy in Doha participated in the celebration of the Qatar National Sports day in simultaneous events held at The Diplomatic Club and the City Center Rotana Hotel on February 13.

The Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, hosted an early morning gathering for the diplomatic corps and members of their family at the Diplomatic Club. The event offered various sporting events and recreational activities such as outdoor zumba session, beach volleyball, basketball, table tennis, provision of exercise equipment such as stationary bikes, outdoor playground for kids, camel and horseback ride by the beach, a photo booth with falcons, and medical check-up booths.

Meanwhile, the Filipino Community Sports and Wellness celebration at the City Centre Rotana Hotel highlighted traditional Filipino games such patintero, luksong lubid, luksong tinik, and sungka. The community event also featured the 1st Oryx Gan Soo Doo Qatar Ambassador's Cup, a mixed martial arts tournament with children and adult categories. The afternoon leg of the event provided musical and dance performances, zumba session, and capped with a ballroom dancing competition in the evening. 

The Embassy also set up a mobile services booth for the overseas voting registration as well as to provide assistance with SSS and Pag-IBIG related queries.

The Qatar National Sports Day is annual national holiday which is celebrated across the country in order to raise awareness on the importance of sports and wellness in everyday life. It aims to encourage the local and expatriate community in Qatar to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. His Highness The Emir, Sheikh Tamin Bin Hamad Al Thani, led a group of cyclist along Doha corniche to jumpstart the day-long celebration. Other members of the royal family and high-ranking official also led simultaneous activities all over Doha.

Young children compete in the Gan Soo Doo Qatar Ambassador's Cup children category (photo by George Babiano).

The Philippine Embassy in Doha facilitates overseas voting registration during the community event.