New Look for Qatar Olympic Committee

(ATR) Top athletes in Qatar are recognized as new branding is launched for the Qatar Olympic Committee.

High jump world champion Mutaz Barshim was named male athlete of the year and junior sprinter Sara Al-Manaei took the female title. They were honored along with other athletes, including Paralympians, federations and organizations in a gala at the Qatar National Convention Center.

QOC President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani led the event that also revealed a new brand and strategy. A new website, logo, a new Team Qatar Club and re-designed social media channels are included in the launch.

The logo combines the national flag and shield. It is designed to be used across modern and traditional platforms says a QOC statement.

"We are an ambitious and optimistic nation and like every successful athlete, we are determined to continue to better ourselves, push our boundaries, break down barriers and re-define sporting greatness," said the QOC president.

"Today is one of the most important moments in Qatar’s sporting past, present or future. It is a game-changing moment that will open sport up to more people than ever before, create new heroes and fuel future success. It feels like a sporting revolution and the start of something new.

"We want the people of Qatar to feel this change, share it, celebrate it, connect to our athletes and support them on their inspirational journeys. We want to unite our whole nation through the power of sport. We are all Team Qatar and I can’t wait for us all to seize this opportunity."

The new strategy for sport in Qatar was also unveiled, the result of a three-year process.

"The strategy aims to optimize partnerships between all of Qatar’s sporting entities, uniting everyone behind one, shared vision to become a leading nation in bringing the world together through sustainable sports development," says the QOC statement.

"For the first time, the QOC’s strategy incorporates the work of its National Federations to ensure a unified approach to delivering the key objectives of creating a more active society," the QOC says.

The QOC held its 33rd General Assembly this week, approving a new organizational structure. Sheikh Saoud bin Ali is named first Vice President. Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari is second Vice President, also president of the Qatar Athletics Federation. Jassim Rashid Al-Buenain will be Secretary General.

Team Qatar becomes the public brand of the QOC. The thrust of the new look is supposed to generate interest by Qatari youth.

"The QOC hopes that the new brand will capture the attention of young people, speak to them in a language that they understand and create an identity that they associate with their sporting heroes and which they are proud to wear and share," says a statement.

The Team Qatar Club is designed to be an online sporting community with a private members-only area.

"I urge all my friends to join me in becoming a member of the Team Qatar Club," said Barshim

"This will be the place to go for everything you need to know about our athletes and sport in Qatar, get health and fitness tips from the best, and connect with other sports fans! I can’t wait share my stories, get closer to our sporting community and show the fun, exciting and human-side to sport. I hope that we are able to inspire our whole country to get involved with and enjoy sport," said the high jumper.

Written by Ed Hula

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