WISH played an active role in Qatar Foundation’s National Sport Day 2018 celebrations, which this year were held on February 13th at Education City in Doha.
Staff from the WISH team volunteered to host a football activity that challenged members of the public to navigate a slalom course blindfolded, using an adapted, audible football – aided only by instructions called out to each participant. The purpose of the fun challenge was to give participants experience of dealing with sensory deprivation and to demonstrate the importance of good communication.
National Sport Day is a Qatari national holiday that was created in order to encourage people to engage in sporting activity and to promote an understanding of the benefits of an active lifestyle. Since 2012 it has been held each year on the second Tuesday in February.
Speaking at the event, Neil Moors, WISH’s Head of Community Development, said: “This is the first time we’ve actively participated in Qatar National Sport Day and it’s been great to get out in the fresh air to interact with the community through sport. I think our blindfold football activity has definitely engaged people and made them think about what it’s like to conduct tasks when you can’t rely on your sight, as well as to highlight the important part clear communication plays in getting tasks done.”
