The Qatar Foundation (QF) unveiled a number of initiatives yesterday to support the competition and its legacy as part of the start of its FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 campaign.
The “It’s Only Football if it’s For All” campaign, which was introduced at QF headquarters, represents both QF’s dedication to accessibility and diversity as well as Qatar 2022’s goal of hosting the most accessible event.
As the Education City Stadium being a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venue, activities will be on both match days and non-match days for football fans and the public within the Education City.
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“The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is all about people and about bringing people together to enjoy a shared and unforgettable experience – one that everyone can be part of,” said H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of QF, in a press statement.
She added, “Placing accessibility and inclusivity is at the core of our World Cup campaign. ‘It’s Only Football if it’s For All’ reflects QF’s commitment to providing opportunities for everyone to engage in and benefit from, and our support for Qatar aimed at hosting the most accessible FIFA World Cup ever. Our mission is built around empowering people, and we believe that empowerment happens when pathways for involvement, engagement, and discovery are opened up to all.”
Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, said, “Qatar Foundation is a critical national partner in delivering a successful FIFA World Cup. Education City Stadium will host games up to the quarter-finals stage of the tournament and throughout our preparation over the last twelve years, QF has played a vital role in many different areas, including research, development, technology and collaboration on social programmes.
QF’s plans for the World Cup is an important ambition for us, ensuring the tournament brings people together and leaves a lasting legacy of accessibility and empowerment for people from all walks of life.”
From its ability-friendly sports programme, encouraging women and girls in sports, advocating for accessibility, fostering a culture of volunteering in Qatar, QF is contributing to a sporting and social legacy for Qatar that endures far beyond the tournament, said Khalifa Al Kubaisi, Director of Media at QF during the launch event.
He said that QF will also be launching an ‘Accessibility Guide’ to support people with disabilities to explore the nation during the tournament.
“The guide will be launched before the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and highlight accessible activities and programmes at QF’s Education City and those available across the country,” he added.
Al Kubaisi further said that QF through a partnership with FIFA provides specialised training for Accessibility Volunteers who will play a key role in ensuring all fans attending the tournament have an unforgettable experience. Among QF’s activities for Qatar 2022 is the second edition of its D’reesha Performing Arts Festival, which will take place from December 11 to 17 at Oxygen Park in Education City.
The festival will provide a platform for people from Qatar, the region, and the world to celebrate creativity and culture, said Mashal Shahbik, Director of Events and protocol, QF.
“Under the theme of Travel and Adventure, D’reesha will showcase the richness and vibrancy of Arab culture, language, and heritage through the lens of music, theatre, poetry, storytelling, education and science,” she added. Education City will also be the venue for the Generation Amazing Festival from November 15 to 20, which will see school groups from all FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 nations participating in workshops, activities and a Generation Amazing football tournament.
The Street Child Globe Cup 2022 is currently taking place in QF; it goes through October 15 and brings together street-connected kids from all around the world for a football tournament, an arts festival, and a platform to promote their rights.
