Qatar 2022 workers meet their favourite FIFA World Cup stars
WORKERS who helped build FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 infrastructure met with players and coaches from the USA, England, the Netherlands and Argentina during special community events organised by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC).
Titled ‘Team 360’, the sessions helped build excitement for the tournament among local workers. They were organized by the SCs Workers Welfare & Labour Rights Department to honour workers for their contribution to the tournament which is the first FIFA World Cup to be held in the Middle East and Arab world. Workers who play amateur football or have previously taken part in the Workers Cup were also organized by the SC volunteered to take part in the sessions. The SCs social and human legacy programme, Generation Amazing, facilitated the activities, which utilized football to promote unity, teamwork and leadership. The sessions were delivered in a fun way, each culminating with a penalty shoot-out involving the workers and players.
Secretary General of SC and Chairman of Q22 Hassan Al Thawadi said: “Our workers have played an immense role in the delivery of this historic tournament and this event is just one way of paying a small thank you to some of our staff. The health, safety and welfare of our employees has been our top priority and one of the main legacies from this tournament will be the enhancement of workers’ rights in Qatar, the region and globally. This legacy showcases the power of hosting the first FIFA World Cup in our region.”
Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium worker Jimmy Serwane said: “The activity was stunning. It was one of the best moments of my life. I have met one of the best players, Virgil van Dijk.”
Uzair Murtaza, a worker at Al Bidda Tower, said: “I feel happy to get our reward for our hard work. I love England and I really like Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling. I had an opportunity to meet the stars.”
England defender Eric Dier said: “It was a very nice experience. Obviously, we know how much effort they have put in to be able to have the World Cup here. It was nice to come and speak to them, and share our love for football.”
Netherlands goalkeeper Remko Pasveer said: “It was a really good meeting. We enjoyed it as a team. I think the guys also enjoyed it. We saw a lot of joy.”
Midfielder Yunus Musah was one of six USA players who took part. He said: “When I got the opportunity, I really wanted to come and see who helped build Qatar for the World Cup. To see and play with them was very special I’m really glad they enjoyed it.”