Aspire Zone set to host range of events

Thousands of people are expected to descend upon Aspire Zone to participate in and watch a mix of sports, local poetry, environment initiatives and international football.

Aspire Logistics Director General Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Mahmoud, said, "Aspire Zone is committed to continuing to provide active lifestyle options for the community and to help stage cultural events important to our heritage."

"There is something for everyone this weekend at Aspire Zone. We encourage the community to come and enjoy the activities," he added.

The weekend action starts at 8pm on Thursday in Aspire Park with Aspire Zone Foundation supporting the Dialogue Poets Council in Qatar World Poetry Day celebrations featuring performances by local poets.

The Doha College Night Run will then take place at 10pm on Thursday evening. Starting between Khalifa Stadium and the Aspire Dome, the route will allow the community to walk or run 5km around the Aspire Zone precinct. Money raised by the event will be donated to Reach Out To Asia.

Fans of international football can see Japan and Canada play a friendly match at Khalifa Stadium on Friday at 6pm. The action continues on Saturday. In the morning Aspire Zone's hugely successful Aquathon returns for a special one-off race.

The race features a shorter route than the Winter Aquathon series and will consist of a 300meter-swim and 3kilometer-run around Aspire Park, as well as two adjusted junior category routes designed to encourage wider participation from teenagers.

In the afternoon Qatar's best street basketball players will compete in the annual Doha Jam three-on-three tournament. Sixteen teams will battle it out at the Aspire Outdoor Basketball Courts from 4pm with spectators welcome to catch the high-flying action.

To finish off the weekend's activities, between 8.30pm - 9.30pm, Aspire Zone will acknowledge Earth Hour, an international campaign to raise awareness about the environment and climate change.