September 16, 2018 - Doha, Qatar: A large turnout of nearly 400 volunteers gathered at Aspire Academy Dome for the first of a series of orientation sessions as the Local Organizing Committee of the 48th Artistic Gymnastics World Championships puts the final touches for the event that Qatar hosts from October 25 to November 3 for the first time in the Middle East region.
In his opening remarks, Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF) President Ali Al Hitmi highlighted that the number of applicants exceeded the target. “This shows commitment to the culture of volunteerism and love for sport and for Qatar.”
Stressing the wide interest of community members to be part of such a global event, Heba Ali Mohammed, Head of Volunteers and Spectator Services, said, “For the championship, we need 800 volunteers but the number of those who registered up to now is 1,800.”
The orientation session featured a presentation that covered the different functions and roles of volunteers who will play a vital role in the success of the championship by ensuring that operations in competition and non-competition venues are adequately supported.
The volunteers came from different community groups, including citizens as well as residents from various nationalities and backgrounds in a reflection of Qatar’s vibrant multiculturalism.
The 48th Artistic Gymnastics World Championships will be the fifth time Assem Nasser Al Murisi, a 28-year-old volunteers to help in the organization of a major sporting event hosted in Qatar.
“It is a huge event that Qatar is hosting for the first time, and this attracted and encouraged me to participate with the volunteers in organizing the championship,” said Al Murisi.
Moemen Ahmed, a 31-year-old is also keen to put his past volunteering experiences in the service of the guests of the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in order to shows that “Qatar deserves the best and is capable of hosting any event at any level.”
Over 700 female and male gymnasts from 83 countries from around the world have registered to compete at this World Championship. Three Team Qatar gymnasts will also be competing against world class gymnasts. This World Championship will serve as the first qualification event for Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games. The competition will be held between October 25 – November 3, 2018, at the Aspire Academy Dome in Doha, Qatar.
