Al Sadd Sports Club commences implementation of its 'Healthy Community' program

The program began with the first activity held at Al Sadd Sports Club house on Thursday at ten in the morning, entitled "Healthy Food Festival". Participation of the event included Al Sadd's player Al Mahdi Ali, Chef Mohamed Baz from Grand Heritage Doha, as well as the attendance of more than 60 children from Saud Bin Abdulrahman Independent School for Boys, Al Andalus Independent School, and Al Qadisiya Independent School. Media coverage of the event was exclusively done by Al Kass TV- the official media partner for Al Sadd CSR program.

Player Mehdi Ali started the event by introducing himself to the children. As he continued, he addressed them on a level that not only captivated their attention but incorporated an ease which allowed them to relate to what he was saying. The discussion began with talks about the life of a football player and the importance of healthy food. He engaged the children in dialogue asking them about their interests, their football aspirations, as well as their day-to-day diet. Thereafter, Chef Mohammed Baz presented the audience with profound facts concerning the negative health affects of fast food, potato chips and soft drinks. He also offered them a solution on how to replace these foods with healthy alternatives. A number of students participated alongside the Chef as they collectively prepared healthy attractive quick meals of which can be replicated with ease at their own leisure, with their families.

Commenting on this event was Mr. Salah Ahmadeen, Al Sadd's CSR officer in saying, "The objective of Al Sadd's Club for this event is to promote and encourage the potential of a child's individual skill in preparing healthy meals for themselves in an entertaining manner and a simplistic method. The idea is to create an easy opening that allows parents to alter their children's eating habits with ease."

Al Mahdi distributed Al Sadd's 'Heroes Meals' on the students which were enclosed in attractive packages comprised of Al Marai products, such as: milk, juice, yogurt with fruit, croissants, and cupcakes. In addition to that, he also handed out gift items and left them with the promise to visit their schools and repeat the event as per their request for the rest of their colleagues. The event was concluded with group photos for all participants. By the day's end 440 meals were distributed to other students who had participated in different activities at the club during the same time. The conclusion of the first event allowed more than 6 schools to benefit from the program therefore making them health ambassadors in their communities!

Chef Mohammed Baz from Grand Heritage Hotel expressed his joy in being a participant in the program, saying: "We are delighted to participate with Al Sadd Club in being part of the healthy food festival event. It gives us great pleasure to contribute to this respectable program that will lead to healthier lives."

It is worth mentioning that Al Sadd Sports Club created a positive influence in the sports field within the GCC after having successfully executed creative strategic social responsibility programs, therefore encouraging many sports associations to follow their lead.