The State of Qatar, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), has published a report titled “Game Changer: Improving Health and Well-Being through Sports Events.” This document, resulting from the Sports for Health alliance initiated in 2021, was presented during the 71st session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean held in Doha.
The Sports for Health alliance aims primarily to integrate health and well-being into the planning and execution of mega sporting events, using the experience gained during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as a foundation to develop a sustainable approach to public health promotion. Qatar’s Minister of Public Health, Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, stated that this collaboration could serve as a model for other sports event organizers around the world.
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The report highlights several recommendations to ensure that future sporting events are safe and healthy. These recommendations include establishing memorandums of understanding with the private health sector, involving various authorities in the planning process, and developing comprehensive safety plans. These steps seek to address the growing concerns about health in contexts involving large gatherings of people.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, remarked that the project demonstrates how sporting events can be effective platforms for promoting both physical and mental health. The initiative, backed by prominent athletes such as Qatari Olympic champion Mutaz Barshim, establishes a new framework for integrating health into the sporting arena.
Through the Sports for Health Alliance, health promotion activities were implemented during the World Cup, including anti-tobacco campaigns, encouragement of healthy eating, and mental health support. This comprehensive approach not only benefited attendees and participants of the tournament but also left a legacy that could influence future sporting events globally.
The report concludes that by learning from Qatar’s experience, other countries can adopt similar strategies that prioritize health and well-being in the organization of sports events, thereby contributing to creating a healthier environment for communities.