The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) hosted the 2025 edition of the Paralympic Challenge Day on Saturday at Qatar Sports Club Arena. This event reaffirmed QOC’s dedication to inclusive sports and community engagement.
Organized by the QOC’s Sports Events Department in collaboration with the Qatar Paralympic Committee (QPC), the event brought together 80 male and female para-athletes. Participants included athletes from Qatar. There were also special guests from Palestine, showcasing the spirit of cooperation and cross-cultural unity through sport on this remarkable Challenge Day.
Held under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Development and Family, the initiative also involved key partners. These included Al Thumama Complex Management and the Qatar Foundation for Social Work. Thanks to their joint efforts, the Paralympic Challenge Day became a model for inclusive community events in the region.
The event featured a variety of competitions, including goalball for the visually impaired, wheelchair basketball, boccia, and table tennis. Additionally, attendees enjoyed judo and taekwondo exhibitions, adding even more excitement to the Challenge Day.
During the award ceremony, QPC Assistant Secretary Abdulgadir Al-Mutawa, QOC Olympic Education Unit Head Mohammed Abdulsalam Mohamed, and QOC Sports Activities Unit Head Ibrahim Esmael Al-Qaoud honored winners across all categories. Their presence underscored the significance of recognizing the achievements of athletes with special needs at the Paralympic event.
This annual celebration is part of QOC’s broader participation in World Challenge Day. This is a global initiative led by TAFISA (The Association for International Sport for All). TAFISA encourages countries to promote physical activity, inclusion, and community cohesion through sports like Paralympic Challenge Day.
Speaking at the event, supervisor Fajr Abdulmohsin Atea highlighted the dual purpose of the event. “Paralympic Challenge Day is both a humanitarian and athletic platform,” she said. “It integrates people with disabilities into society while empowering them through sport.”
She emphasized that such initiatives raise awareness, build physical and intellectual skills, and strengthen social connections. Moreover, the event offers a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences and foster mutual respect and understanding.
Through initiatives like Paralympic Challenge Day, Qatar continues to lead in promoting inclusivity, health, and unity within its diverse population.
