“`html
Building on the insights gained from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the State of Qatar, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), has unveiled a comprehensive report that outlines valuable lessons and recommendations for organizing healthy and secure sporting events at both mega and grassroots levels globally.
The document, titled Transforming Sports: Enhancing Health and Well-Being through Sporting Events, is a culmination of a three-year partnership known as Sport for Health, initiated in 2021 by Qatar and WHO. This initiative was developed alongside FIFA and Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy to ensure that the legacy of a safe FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 endures. The report was introduced during a ministerial event named Enhancing Health and Well-being Through Sporting Events, which took place in Doha as part of the ongoing 71st WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Committee meeting.
H.E. Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, Minister of Public Health for Qatar, remarked: “The collaboration among Qatar, WHO, and FIFA serves as an inspiration for organizers of major international sporting events to incorporate health considerations into their planning processes.”
“The Sport for Health model embodies our dedication to leveraging the transformative potential of large-scale sports events to foster enduring improvements in public health,” stated Dr. Al Kuwari. “This report encapsulates our joint efforts—a pioneering framework that brings together nations, global organizations, and sports federations under a common goal.”
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, emphasized that this new report highlights how sports—and sporting events—can empower individuals to pursue healthier lifestyles both physically and mentally.
“Once again we observe how health promotion can be seamlessly integrated into major sporting events,” said Dr. Tedros. “WHO remains committed to ensuring that these occasions continue serving as powerful catalysts for sustainable health initiatives.”
Qatari Olympic high-jump champion Mr. Mutaz Barshim expressed: “Sports possess an unmatched ability to inspire unity and transform lives. By prioritizing physical fitness alongside mental well-being during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, the Sport for Health initiative has illustrated how athletics can contribute significantly to healthier living standards worldwide—setting an exemplary precedent for future global gatherings.”
The Sport for Health Partnership culminated in various health-focused activities throughout the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, addressing issues such as tobacco control, healthy eating habits, mental wellness initiatives, physical activity promotion along with advocacy efforts.
A thorough evaluation was conducted over this three-year project resulting in several key recommendations including:
- Establishing memorandums with private healthcare entities—including hospitals—to lay groundwork for effective partnerships prior to significant events;
- Engaging all pertinent authorities in decision-making processes related to planning and execution;
- Create detailed plans aimed at enhancing safety measures at large-scale sports gatherings followed by rigorous training programs simulating emergency scenarios;
- Implement mechanisms designed to bolster adherence to public health guidelines along with other established protocols.
The primary aim behind launching this partnership was not only safeguarding public health during but also after the tournament; ensuring visitors—including players—and local residents enjoyed their experience safely while advocating broader improvements beyond just sport-related activities through various programs promoting active lifestyles nutritious diets.
Source
“`
