Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General for the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy said: “Since being awarded the rights to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, we have carefully considered the importance of leaving sustainable and transformative social legacies that improve lives – in Qatar, within our region, and around the world. With the experience of the pandemic, the importance of utilizing this platform to build awareness and improve public health has significantly increased.”
“This partnership with WHO will serve to elevate and enhance our existing efforts and contribute to ensuring that our region’s first FIFA World Cup maximizes its potential for social impact and serves as a benchmark for future events of a similar nature.’
Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, said the new partnership between WHO and Qatar would play a powerful role in spreading advice and messages throughout the Region on the benefits of sports for health. In addition, it will help promote the goal of achieving “Health for All By All,” which is at the heart of WHO’s strategic focus for the Region, Vision 2023.
“Sport offers one of the most effective ways for people to lead healthy lives. WHO looks forward to working closely with Qatar to use the platform that sporting events offer to bring people together and foster solidarity, while at the same time promoting healthier habits, from diet to physical activity, for people of all ages, genders and cultures.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vital importance of physical activity for mental and physical health. According to the World Health Organization, up to 5 million deaths, a year could be averted if the global population was more active. WHO statistics show that one in four adults, and four out of five adolescents, do not get enough physical activity. Globally this is estimated to cost US$54 billion in direct health care and another US$14 billion to lost productivity.
At a time when the pandemic has deepened vulnerabilities and inequities, it is more than ever important to ensure everyone of all ages and abilities can have access to safe sports.
SOURCE: JORDAN NEWS AGENCY