QRCS World Cup initiative in seven crisis-hit countries sees big turnout

The Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) said yesterday that the humanitarian initiative it has launched in seven crisis-hit countries to follow the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has been seeing a big turnout.

The initiative was launched by the QRCS ahead of the start of the World Cup, with support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD), the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), and beIN Sports, to help those in seven countries experiencing humanitarian crises enjoy the events of the World Cup.

The QRCS established fan zones in co-operation with its partners in more than 40 locations in Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Syria.

In a statement yesterday, the QRCS noted that the fan zones have seen broad participation by football fans watching the tournament matches on giant screens, in addition to participating in sports, entertainment and awareness activities, which the QRCS organises through its offices and missions in the target countries.

QRCS Relief and International Development Division director Dr Mohamed Salah Ibrahim said that the initiative is in line with the humanitarian efforts undertaken by Qatar and humanitarian organisations.

He said that the QRCS is aware of the role played by global sports in alleviating the suffering of vulnerable groups, and contributing to psychological and health support.

Heads of QRCS missions in the seven countries stressed the importance of this humanitarian initiative and the accompanying events, and the opportunities it provides everyone, including children.