IBQ staff join the race for Qatar Sports Day

The staff of International Bank of Qatar (ibq) took part in the annual 3-km Sports Day Race organized by Qatar Central Bank on the 10th February to celebrate Qatar’s National Sports Day. An impressive number of financial professionals ran in the race that aims at raising awareness of the importance of adopting healthy lifestyles and for Qatar to become a major regional and international sports hub.

The race started off at 8.00 am at Al Bidaa Park and contestants ran for over 3 kilometers, ten winners were proclaimed at the finish line at QCB premises.  Winners received various cash prizes ranging from QAR 10,000 for the outright winner to QAR 1,000 for the runner up in tenth place. Both men and women runners were divided into three age-based categories from 18-30 years, 31-45 years and over 46 years.

Four ibq staff members participating in the race were named winners being: Ian Hudson and Rawan Malkawi both finished second, Matthijs Westra and Ahmed Al Mughrabi finished seventh and tenth in their age group categories respectively.

Jabra Ghandour, Managing Director of ibq said: “This is a great sport occasion that brings together industry professionals and the general public on a public holiday, being united in their efforts to highlight the fact that adopting a healthy lifestyle is key for us all. We’re very pleased to have taken part in this very worthwhile sports event and to have played a role in supporting Qatar National Sports Day initiative along with our peers and colleagues in the financial sector.” 

Held on the second Tuesday of February, Qatar’s National Sports Day is part of the country’s drive to encourage sport practice as a way of life and to create a sporting culture amongst young people. The event also intends to send out a strong message that a well-balanced, active and sporty lifestyle and keeping fit has a positive impact for everyone.

ibq has long been a dedicated supporter of sports with its sponsorship of the Qatar Cricket Masters series for nine consecutive years, and the annual HH The Emir’s Basketball Championship as well as many schools sports initiatives.