UDST hosts GCC Universities Sport, Wellness Symposium

DOHA: University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) on Sunday started its inaugural GCC Universities Sport and Wellness Symposium.

Held over January 14-16, the symposium is organised by UDST's Sport and Wellness Department, with the support of active event partners Federation Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU), and the Qatar Collegiate Sport Federation (QCSF).

The three-day conference brings together senior university sport and wellness leaders, national and international sports federation representatives, government officials, sports experts and university students from across the region.The conference aims to promote growth and foster collaboration for regional student sports opportunities while exploring the importance of wellness in the student setting.

Commenting on the event, Dr Salem Al-Naemi, President of the University of Doha for Science and Technology said: "UDST, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 that embraces sports as a crucial tool for growth and well-being, hosts this event, underscoring Qatar's dedication as a passionate sporting nation. Integrating exercise and wellness into education institutions is essential, and a large part of how our university cultivates well-rounded individuals who thrive in academic and extracurricular domains. Studies have shown that physical activity could improve focus and attention notably in mathematics and science subjects. Furthermore, sports programmes are important for reducing violence and improving student behaviour. By hosting this event, we aim to encourage stronger awareness among attendees and achieve an enhanced understanding of how important student wellness is in the post-secondary education sector."

Manager of Sport and Wellness at UDST Tony Martin, remarked, "There are over 100 post-secondary institutions already participating in the FISU programme, as we are. We hope to inspire more universities to join this transformational wellness initiative, which would elevate the quality of individual university sports for everyone. The GCC region in particular is witnessing a significant shift in the role of higher education institutions in sports development. By bringing together key stakeholders for the first time at such collaborative events as the symposium, I believe UDST is helping to set the stage for a successful future in university sports and wellness."

The symposium coincides with the ongoing AFC Asian Cup hosted in Qatar, providing the perfect backdrop for discussions on collaboration and competition. In organising the GCC Universities Sport and Wellness Symposium, UDST and its event partners are bringing a unique opportunity to help shape a robust and sustainable sports and wellness culture for universities in the Gulf a pioneering approach to student development.