Football ‘trip of a lifetime’ for 22 ROTA children
Twenty-two underprivileged boys and girls from Asian countries are to be given the trip of a lifetime to the World Cup games in South Africa next year as the guests of the Qatar 2022 Bid and the non-governmental organisation Reach out to Asia (ROTA).
The announcement was made at the Third ROTA Gala Dinner at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, held under the auspices of The Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and his consort Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned.
Her Excellency Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, ROTA Chairperson, told the distinguished guests: “As you may know, Qatar is bidding to host the football World Cup in 2022. If we succeed, it will make history as the first global sports event ever held in the Middle East. On behalf of Qatar’s Bid, I’m delighted to announce tonight that 11 boys and 11 girls from ROTA countries will attend the FIFA World Cup in South Africa next year as guests of the Qatar 2022 Bid Committee and ROTA.â€
Shortly before the dinner, for which the Qatar 2022 Bid was a Prestige Sponsor, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Bid and ROTA to work together to develop sport throughout Asia.
Sheikha Mayassa explained: “Together, thanks to a partnership between ROTA and the Qatar 2022 Bid Committee, we will continue to support the schools of these 22 children with the development of a sports educational programme so children can play football in a safe and fun environment for many years to come.â€
The charity dinner was attended by the Chairman of the Qatar 2022 Bid Committee His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
After the event, Sheikh Mohammed commented: “I am thrilled that our Bid will be working hand in hand with ROTA.
“Next year, the World Cup will be held on the African continent for the first time. We welcome the spread of the world’s favourite tournament to new and exciting markets across the globe. And we believe that our region also deserves the opportunity to enchant the world.
“Today, we are building a healthy and modern society here in Qatar. We are educating our children about the benefits of sports. Like ROTA, we believe that the power of education can transform societies and give entire generations a new perspective on life.â€
Sheikh Mohammed went on: “In this same spirit, we wish to move forward with the concept of sports education. With our 2022 bid we’re reaching out to our brothers and sisters in the Middle East and Asia. We believe this is the key to building peaceful, progressive and positive societies based on multi-cultural respect and understanding.â€
The Qatar 2022 Bid CEO, Hassan Abdullah Al Thawadi, and other senior members of the Bid Committee were also present at the event, whose 400 guests included the Saudi football star Sami Al Jaber.
About the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cupâ„¢ Bid:
Qatar is bidding to host the FIFA World Cupâ„¢ in 2022. A World Cup in Qatar would be the first global sporting event ever to be hosted in the Middle East. Playing football’s most prestigious tournament in this region would bring greater unity and understanding between peoples from every continent, perfectly reflecting the FIFA slogan “For the Game; for the Worldâ€.
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