Airmen celebrate Qatar’s National Sport Day with Qatari, coalition partners
By Tech. Sgt. John Wilkes
/ Published February 11, 2020
AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- Airmen and coalition partners at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, competed in individual and team sports during Qatar’s National Sport Day on Feb. 11, 2020.
Service members from AUAB and Camp As-Sayliyah participated in a wide-variety of events ranging from soccer, basketball, volleyball, swimming, tennis, cricket, tug-of-war and more.
According to the Government of Qatar, National Sport Day is one of the largest holidays in Qatar and is celebrated on the second Tuesday of February each year, when everyone is encouraged to take part in sporting activities.
“This is one part of a big picture of Sport Day for the State of Qatar,” said Brig. Gen. Yousef Dasman Al-Kawari, president of Qatari Military Sports Association. “We love to see the U.S. Armed Forces participate in the sporting events today and throughout the year.”
Approximately 300 service members from Qatar, U.S., and coalition forces from AUAB and CAS attended the combined observance.
“We are thankful for the Qatar Emiri Air Force’s invitation to participate in this event,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Dale White, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Host Nation Coordination Cell officer and event coordinator.
National Sport Day provides AUAB and CAS service members the chance to experience Qatar’s culture, according to White. It also allows service members who may not work closely with their host nation partner’s to foster relations through the commonality of sports.
“We work with our Qatari partners every day to advance interoperability and regional security cooperation,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Daniel Tulley, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing commander. “Sharing this national holiday and participating in friendly competition helps us build on our strong relationship.”