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Doha: After another tremendous success, Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) has waved farewell to the third edition of its Aspire International Kite Festival. Over four days, 53,000 attendees and 18 international teams benefited from the exciting event and contributed to one of AZF’s most popular annual offerings.
As the festival came to an end, AZF organised a one-of-its-kind closing ceremony to announce the winners of the various competitions. Mr. Nasser Abdullah Al-Hajri, Director of PR and Communication at AZF and the member of the organising committee, and the General Manager from sponsor Dolphin Energy, Mr. Hassan Al-Emadi, led the closing ceremony’s proceedings.
Al-Suwaidi: the kite extravaganza achieved its objectives
Commenting on the festival’s conclusion, Mr. Mohammed Khalifa Al-Suwaidi, CEO of Aspire Zone Foundation, said; “I would like to congratulate Aspire’s team for their teamwork in hosting such a successful series of events at the 3rd edition of the Aspire International Kite Festival.
“AZF continuously strives to organise ‘sportainment’ activities for families and I’m thrilled to see such massive turnout at this event. Through hosting such festivals with international kiters, we aim to encourage new talent in Qatar to pick-up the talent. It is always a pleasure to see participants return and to welcome new ones.”
Al-Suwaidi added, “The kite extravaganza has become a key local, regional and international attraction, helping Aspire achieve its objectives around promoting active lifestyles. Already a firm favourite among families, we are particularly pleased to have seen 2,500 students from schools across Qatar attend this year. I look forward to welcoming everyone back for the 2020 edition.”
The winners of the photography contest
During the ceremony, AZF also announced the winners of the photography contest that managed to capture best photographic shots throughout the festival. Mr. Mohammed bin Fahad Al-Thani, a member of the organising committee awarded the top four winners, with first-place going to Denis Ghamarsha.
Oscar Academy wins the schools competition
Hassan Al-Emadi, the General Manager of main sponsor Dolphin Energy, distributed the awards to the three winning schools. Oscar Academy attained first-place and received 50,000 Qatari riyals; second-place went to Edison International School, with an award of 30,000 Qatari Riyals; and third-place went to Birla public school, with an award of 20,000 Qatari riyals.
Festival’s contests
After the school’s awards, the Director of PR and Communications at AZF and a member of the organising committee, Mr. Nasser Abdullah Al-Hajri, gave awards to the German’s ‘Team 4 Fun’ and America’s Spencer Watson for the Best Acrobatic Kites. Scott and Marilynn Hampton won the Design and Innovation Award and Kuwait’s Al-Farsi team won the Best National team Award. Furthermore, Jon and Jill Bloom from the UK won awards for the best kites reflecting Qatari culture.
In addition, an Encouragement Award went to the Qatari team for its promising participation in the third edition of the kite festival. The Qatari team was also notably the youngest delegation among all the participants.
Commenting on the conclusion of the festival, Mr. Nasser Abdullah Al-Hajri, said: “The much-awaited festival managed to grab the attention of Qatari citizens as well as local and regional media outlets. At Aspire, we are always looking for new ways to excite people and this event – the most successful so far – has shown we are still able to do so.”
Al-Hajri added, “The photography contest created a social media buzz among photography enthusiasts in Qatar, who rushed to compete and showcase their best techniques. Photographers portrayed the festival and excelled in their contributions to our social media channels, helping to contribute to a massive increase in online viewers.”
Statistical highlights from the festival
53,000 visitors throughout the four-day event
2,500 students from various schools across Qatar
24,000 attended the side-line workshops
300 vivid kites designed by international kiters have been on display
10,000 kites sold to visitors throughout the festival
300% increase in viewers on social media platforms
-Ends-
Aspire Zone Foundation:
Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) was established by Emiri decree (1) that was announced on the 1st January 2008 in order to develop a world-class sporting environment, enhance sports performance and contribute to producing elite local athletes with a comprehensive academic, athletic and mental education fit to compete in various local and global competitions. AZF also seeks to promote an active and healthy lifestyle among local community members and encourage the growth and development of the sports economy in Qatar to support the Human Development Pillar as outlined in the Qatar National Vision 2030.
AZF works closely with its three member organisations, Aspire Academy, Aspetar and Aspire Logistics, as one integrated institution in a unique ‘Aspire way’ working model. Each of the member organisations has its own specific role in support of AZF's overall objectives to help it realise its vision of being the reference in sports excellence worldwide by 2020.
AZF is unique because it hosts some of the world's best indoor and outdoor facilities and pitches all in one place. These include the Khalifa International Stadium, a 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™ host venue, the Aspire Dome, the largest multi-purpose dome of its kind in the world, Hamad Aquatic Centre and two hotels: the Torch Doha Hotel and Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel. Together, these make Aspire Zone a leading sports hub in Qatar and the preferred training destination for elite local, regional and international athletes.
AZF also caters to the needs of recreational athletes and local community members of all ages to promote a culture of healthy and active lifestyles through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which offer various sporting, entertainment, social and cultural activities for people in Qatar.
For more information, please contact:
Amal Alsheemy
Head of Media at Aspire Zone Foundation
Tel: +97477192006
Email: Amal.AlSheemy@aspirelogistics.qa
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