By Raynald C Rivera
DOHA: As the mercury starts to dip and the summer draws to a close, more and more people go to the beach while others take part in water sports activities at resorts and other popular destinations.
With the onset of autumn, the Meteorology Department has forecast gradual decrease in temperatures this month which is ideal for water sports enthusiasts to engage in their passion for these high-intensity sports fast becoming a favourite pastime in Qatar.
Some people, however, shy away from exorbitant fees charged by resorts for using their facilities.
Thanks to the ‘Sports For All Summer Festival’, people get the chance to engage in water sports for free.
Organised by Qatar Sports For All (QSFA) federation, the festival began yesterday and runs until the end of the month at Katara Beach.
“This is the first event of its kind that we have organised in Katara. We already had different sports events and activities but this is the first time in Katara. The aim is to get more people involved in sports and be more active,” Ahmad Mubarak, Events Coordinator at QSFA told The Peninsula yesterday.
The festival is going to run every weekend from Thursday to Saturday for the entire month of September from 4pm to 9pm at Katara Beach Gate 14. It offers a variety of water activities for the entire family.
“We have activities for children and families such as slides, mini-pool, inflatable ride, jet skis and flyboards from Qatar Sailing and Marine Sports Federation (QSMSF) and a volleyball court,” said Mubarak.
Water sport companies Blue Marine and Speed Marine are also present at the venue with their products.
“Everything is free of charge. Anybody can come, have a look and play at no cost,” added Mubarak.
Although there is no age limit, children below ten years old who wish to be in the water should be accompanied by parents and to ensure safety, lifeguards and security personnel are present at the venue, he added.
The month-long event is being organised by QSFA in cooperation with Katara, Qatar Tourism Authority and QSMSF with the participation of Blue Marine and Speed Marine.
The Qatar Sports For All Federation was established last year under the Ministry of Youth and Sports with the goal of spreading awareness of the concept of sports, expand the scope of practice, and increase the number of participants in physical activities.
The Peninsula
