IBQ runs for Qatar National Sport Day

The team of the International Bank of Qatar (ibq) participated at the Qatar Central Bank annual 3-km Sport Day Race which took place on the 12^th of February on Doha Corniche on the occasion of Qatar’s National Sport Day. An impressive number of financial professionals joined the race with the objective to raise awareness of healthy living and for Qatar to become a regional and international sports hub.

The race kick-started at 8.00 am at Al Bidaa Park and stretched over 3 kilometers at the end of which ten winners were rewarded, at the finish line at QCB premises, with various cash prizes ranging from QAR 10,000 for the first winner and QAR 1,000 for the tenth. Female and male participants were divided into three age-based categories covering 18-30 years, 31-45 years and over 46 years.

Four “ibq” staff members were named winners at the race with Ian Hudson coming in first place; Salma Khundakji in 5th place; Nancy Khalil in 6th place and Sawsan Zakaria in 10th place.

Jabra Ghandour, Managing Director of ibq said: “This is a truly wonderful occasion which brings together industry professionals and the general public under one theme and for one united cause aiming to spread a strong message for healthy living. We’re very pleased to have taken part in this initiative and to have played a role in supporting this nationwide proposition along with our peers and colleagues.”

Held on the second Tuesday of February, Qatar’s National Sport Day follows the country’s ambitions to turn sports into a way of life paving the way for a new era of sports culture and happenings targeting particularly the youth. Additionally, the event aims at creating strong awareness of the various health benefits brought about by a well-balanced, active and sporty lifestyle and the positive impact of sports in general on every individual’s life. On the occasion, organizations representing both the public and private sector line up a series of sports-oriented activities for their staff and their families who are encouraged to engage in such programmes.

ibq has been a devout supporter of sports with its sponsorship of the Qatar Cricket Masters series for eight consecutive years, to the yearly HH The Emir’s Basketball Championship and many schools sports initiatives such as the yearly “Run Against Hunger” of the French school “Lycée Bonaparte” and their Oryx Kids Football Team.