Rio's youth set to harness their talent in Qatar
Date
5/24/2016 1:05:49 AM
(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Winners of the ‘Shine’ Athletics Tournament, pose for a photograph with QOC officials and ambassadors.
Rio de Janeiro: The successful conclusion of Qatar Olympic Committee’s (QOC) ‘Shine’ athletics tournament which was conducted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Sunday, saw a total of 10 talented young athletes winning places on a training camp at Doha’s world-renowned Aspire Academy for Sporting Excellence.
The Aspire Academy, whose alumni include Qatar’s sporting hero, Mutaz Barshim offered this golden opportunity to promising athletes of the meet which saw over 200 young athletes competing.
The QOC established the Shine project to provide support and assistance to young athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds from across Rio de Janeiro and leaving a compelling legacy from the Rio 2016 Games. The QOC, Qatar Athletics Federation and Aspire Academy for Sporting Excellence partnered with Futuro Olimpico, an NGO founded by Brazil’s Olympic bronze medallist from Atlanta ‘96, Arnaldo de Oliveira, and the Rio de Janeiro Athletics Federation to organise the project.
Speaking about the vision behind the Shine project, Dr Thani Al Kuwari, Secretary General of the QOC, said:
“The Qatar Olympic Committee believes in the power of sport to change lives and we were determined to ensure that we grasp the opportunity of the Rio 2016 Games to leave a positive impact on young athletes in Rio de Janeiro. This will provide a true legacy for both Brazil and Qatar. It is our sincere hope that our Shine project will provide invaluable support for these athletes on their journeys to become Brazil’s next Olympic heroes. We look forward to following their progress as their careers develop.”
The Shine tournament was attended by several officials from Qatar including Sheikha Asma Al Thani, Marketing Director at the QOC, Mohammed Al Kuwari, Secretary General at the Qatar Athletics Federation and Dr Hazem Anabtawi, Deputy Director at the Aspire Academy. The officials were able to meet the athletes and learn more about how the project will benefit them and their future careers.
Gabriel Oliveira Constantino (left) wins 100m event during the ‘Shine’ Athletics Tournament.