Doha 23/3/2014: The United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace Wilfred Lemke lauded the Qatari contributions to the development of sport in the region.
In a press conference held after witnessing some of the action on the final day of Qatar’s highly successful Schools Olympic Program (SOP) at Aspire Academy on Friday, Wilfried Lemke said that Qatar is a role model for the region for its pioneering efforts in promoting sports at the grassroots level.
"Qatar is a model nation for other countries in the neighborhood when it comes to encouraging sports at the schools level," the UN sports official said.
The seventh edition of the SOP concluded last Friday after several weeks of competition that saw more than 26,000 students from hundreds of schools take part in various sporting disciplines under the theme "Sport and Integrity".
Lemke, who was seen cheering and clapping at a volleyball match whenever a team scored a point, said the enthusiasm shown by the children reminded him of his schooldays back in his native Germany.
"I can relate to all this enthusiasm. Fifty years ago, I represented my school at the national schools athletics meet and my team were the champions in one of the relays. I was transported back to that moment when I was watching the kids in Qatar compete," he said.
Lemke also lauded Qatar’s efforts in promoting sports among girls.
"You will often hear stories about girls being relegated to the background when it comes to sports and other activities in the region, but it is not so in Qatar. I was told more than a 1200 girls participated in this year’s Schools Olympic Program finals, which is simply great
Hassan Abdullah Al Mohammadi
Head of Media
Qatar Olympic Committee
Tel: +974 449 44646
Fax: +974 449 44641
http://www.olympic.qa
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