With some three weeks to go before Qatar holds its third annual National Sport Day, the government is seeking feedback on the nation’s recreational offerings.

In a two-minute survey put out by the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and the Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics (also known as the QSA), residents are asked about the proximity of parks and other facilities to their homes, and whether this affects their desire/ability to exercise.

QOC also says plans are in the works for new facilities, and asks what kinds of features residents would like to see incorporated in them, such as sports fields, playgrounds, cafeterias and bathrooms.

The questions are part of an overall effort to improve the fitness levels of expats and nationals alike, as Qatar is reputed to be the “world’s fattest nation.”

History

In 2011, the former Emir declared each second Tuesday of February National Sport Day, an official holiday that public and private companies are required to observe. In the past two years, the number of events on offer have been growing, and on Feb. 11, 2014, organizers are planning “the biggest NSD in history.”

Events are being planned at Aspire Park, Katara Cultural Village, The Pearl-Qatar, Souq Waqif and Al-Refaa street, among other venues. And the QOC will kick off activities early at its Sports Zone on Feb. 6.

More details about the holiday can be found on the NSD website here.

Thoughts?