Pliskova withdraws from Doha with viral illness

Q. Just curious what exactly is wrong and when you started feeling some symptoms and when you started feeling sick.
KAROLINA PLISKOVA: Actually, from the first day when I arrived, already the day after Fed Cup, I felt after I played my match with Simona, which was super long and tough, so I just felt somehow exhausting.

Yeah, from the first day I was not feeling great and not ready. I have never felt actually this way. It's normal that you are tired, of course, when you are traveling and playing a lot of matches. But I just feel somehow my body is not ready.

I had a temperature few days. I don't have any neck pain or something, but I just feel overall like super tired, and my muscles are just hurting from the morning without even doing anything. So I'm just not able to compete 100% today.

Q. Are these familiar symptoms? Have you felt like this before?
KAROLINA PLISKOVA: No. Actually, I didn't, but I know there is a lot of viral illness going on, not even here but also in Czech Republic and all Europe. Maybe there is something going on in my body, so I hope I don't just not going to get worse, so that's why I decide to withdraw.

Q. Do you think it would be better to play Fed Cup Friday/Saturday instead of Saturday/Sunday to give the players a better chance to recover for the next tournament?
KAROLINA PLISKOVA: Of course I think it would be better. Of course it's tough to say right now. Now I would maybe appreciate one more day for traveling and this, because then every time it's super hard to, you know, always find connections to the tournaments, especially here, it's not that close.

Yeah. But it's always my choice, so I don't have to play Fed Cup if I don't feel like to play, you know. So I think it's better if you want to play Doha/Dubai to don't play Fed Cup, because otherwise last year I was sick here, too, so I think it's just very tough scheduling by playing these weeks summer and winter and then you come here outside so the body not always has to take it.

Q. Maybe the ITF can change the schedules of Fed Cup?
KAROLINA PLISKOVA: I know the Davis Cup they did it. I know for sure everything is possible, but I don't know how many players, like if the players are fighting for this or not. I think it would help, but so far what I know the systems should be somehow changing from next year completely, so let's see.

Q. Just on that question of the Fed Cup, would you like to see it in the new format that the Davis Cup has?
KAROLINA PLISKOVA: I don't really know and I don't follow -- I know there was this, you know, the first round and everybody then goes to the World Group. Maybe it's better to play less weeks. I don't know.

I always said like the Fed Cup it can help you or it can destroy you, because there is a lot of emotions and always like a lot of tough matches. Especially if you play in your country, then the pressure is huge. Just right now, I don't think like it really helped me, although the matches were great and the atmosphere too. I think if there is maybe less days or less weeks for us, then it would be better.

Q. You're the fifth player to withdraw from this tournament this week. Do you think the players should take more responsibility over these withdrawals? The tournament organizers obviously organize with big-star names such as yourself. People buy tickets to see players such as yourselves, and now they are turning up to see replacements. Do you think players, if they have any concerns or fears that they cannot play, should be more honest before a tournament?
KAROLINA PLISKOVA: But I think everybody, so far everybody who withdraw was here. So I don't see any reason. I think they tried till the last moment, so I don't see any reason why somebody should be playing tournaments by being sick or by being injured.

It's a risk in the future tournaments or in the future career. I don't know which risk you want to put on us, but I think everybody pays fine if they withdraw. Maybe not once per year, but every time, if we do it more, then yes, so I think that's enough.

I don't know what else you want to do. If the players are sick, what can they do? Of course everybody was here, so I guess everybody wanted to compete. I came here, so I don't came here only just to see the tournament or to practice one day, but if it's not possible, it's not possible. I think you cannot do anything against this.

Q. Can you say when the player arrives at that decision about not wanting to play? I mean, is it on the day of the match, or do you feel like that leading up to it? And also, regarding your earlier answer about the Fed Cup, do you feel fewer weeks would help because of emotional investment playing for your country is so great as against, you know, maybe the physical?
KAROLINA PLISKOVA: I don't know. I think it's personal, so I think somebody -- I just tried at the last moment. Even today I went on court. I just tried to hit full, at least 10, 15 minutes. I just said, This is not possible to play this level.

And my draw is tough, so I think if I'm not 100%, I cannot win any match here. That's why I decided to not play.

Also, I'm not the type of player which goes on court and retire after two games. So I said maybe it's better that somebody else plays. But, you know, it can be different every time. Depends how you feel. Maybe if you feel completely sick on Monday, then -- but I just tried to at least give few days more and maybe I feel better but I didn't, actually.

And about Fed Cup, this is maybe for a longer talks, because it can, like I said, it can destroy you, because to travel the day after when you play match three hours against Halep, it's not the best, for sure, not the best for my body, not the best for my career, not the best for this tournament, of course.

So if I can choose, I would of course take one more extra week in between these tournaments and Fed Cup, but that's how it is. I told you I don't have to play Fed Cup. I don't have to play here. So I can do my schedule by myself, you know.

But I was defending champion here last year, so I decided, like, this year I'm going to try again, because I like this tournament. Every time I try to come. But it's a question mark for the next years.

Q. The people who bought tickets today will see a Pliskova playing today because your sister is in as a lucky loser in your place. Were you surprised to hear about that? Did you speak to her before you withdrew?
KAROLINA PLISKOVA: Yeah, actually as there were two more players in front of her, so I didn't know they were not here, so she was still third on the list because she lost actually in the second round of qualifying, so I think this is not really usual that she gets in. Normally only the final rounds gets in.

I talked a little bit. I just saw her, just met her. She knew I'm not feeling great from the first day. But I never thought that she can get in because of me, but there was so many players which withdraw, so in the end, it end up like this, which is unlucky.

I think if she would sign yesterday, Kristyna, she would get in, because nobody really signed again. I think nobody was expecting that many withdrawals, so a lot of players get in.

Qatar football league kicks from Saturday

Al Sailiya vs Umm Salal

The clash between Al Sailiya and Umm Salal will evoke keen interest among the fans.

Al Sailiya were in the fourth place for most part of last season, but were pushed behind by Umm Salal in the fight for the fifth spot. In fact, The Orange Fortress were very much in the race for the fourth position, which they lost to Al Gharafa.

Al Sailiya retained the services of Algerian Nadir Belhadj and signed Moroccan striker Rachid Tiberkanine from Al Kharaitiyat.

Umm Salal have kept Ivorian Yannick Sagbo, Syrian Mahmoud Mawas and Moroccan Adel Rhaili on their roster while adding Nigerian striker Christian Osaguona.

Al Sailiya coach

Al Sailiya coach Sami Trabelsi spoke to the media ahead of their QNB Stars League Week 1 match against Umm Salal.

“We have concluded our preparations in a better way ahead of the start of new season even though the preparatory period was short. I hope we will have a better campaign this time than we had last season, where we could have finished in a better position than sixth.

“We have to be very strong and must show more character in order to achieve more and more positive results. We must also play with strong determination in all matches to collect points. Our target is again the top four.

“We have two good strikers in Rachid Tiberkanine (who played for Al Kharaitiyat last season) and Abdelqadir ilyas, who last played for Al Markhiya. Rachid is an opportunistic striker who can win matches on his own. Abdelqadir has also proved his mettle. We are counting on them to deliver the goods mainly.

“We have many better solutions this season. We are facing a tough start, against Umm Salal who are strong in all departments of the game. They have retained most of their players. We will analyse our game after the first four matches when we will have a break,” said Trabelsi.

Umm Salal coach Laurent Banide 

Umm Salal coach Laurent Banide spoke to the media ahead of their QNB Stars League Week 1 match against Al Sailiya.

“All games are difficult, but things are in our hands to a great extent, especially at the start of the season. We have to embark on our campaign on a confident note.

“We must perform well. We are trying to strike the right balance between attack and defence. We must create enough scoring opportunities and capitalise on them.

“We will see if the team is able to provide a good level. We had a good camp in the pre-season and we seek to implement the strategies on the field. 

“The season is sure to be tough and we have to be prepared for the gruelling games.

“We missed out on the fourth position to Al Gharafa very narrowly last season. We will try to be in the top four this time. We have the players to deliver the goods. Most of them are staying from last year,” said Banide.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Al Arabi vs Al Khor

Al Arabi overcame first-phase slump and finished a creditable seventh last season, thanks to Croatian coach Luka Bonacic’s damage-control exercises.

The Dream Team have recruited three new professionals — Iraqi Ahmed Ibrahim, Brazilian Mailson de Farias and Colombian Franco.

Al Khor are under a new coach — Tunisian Adel Sellimi who replaced compatriot Nassif Al Bayawi when the latter left for Al Kharaitiyat. They mainly have Iraqis Ahmed Yasin and Rebin Sulaka, as well as Brazil’s Diego Oksta and Gabon’s Ulysse Nadong to deliver the goods.

Al Arabi coach

Al Arabi coach Luka Bonacic spoke to the media ahead of their QNB Stars League Week 1 match against Al Khor.

“New season brings something new. We made many changes last season, with seven or eight players being replaced. We have made some changes this time as well. But then, many changes have been made at Al Arabi over the past few seasons. Players leaving the club is not under my control. It is up to the team management.

“Some of our overseas professional players arrived only two weeks ago. That is not ample time for them to adapt to the squad. I hope they will settle into their stride sooner rather than later.

“As a coach, I implement my plans slowly. I am happy that I could change the fortunes of Al Arabi ever since I took over the team last season. The seventh-place finish was very satisfying.

“Had we been starting by the middle of September, I could have found more solutions. We go into our first match on Saturday and we had to act fast.

“The first three or four games is not about quality of the team. It’s more about players adapting to the situation,” said Bonacic.

Al Khor coach speaks

Al Khor coach Adel Sellimi spoke to the media ahead of their QNB Stars League Week 1 match against Al Arabi.

“We are ready to take on Al Arabi. We had successful preparations during the pre-season camp in the Netherlands, where the new players combined well with team-mates.

“Our professional player quota is now complete. We have bolstered the squad by replacing Brazilian midfielder Madson with Iraqi medio Ahmed Yasin. Another Iraqi player Rebin Sulaka, Brazil’s Diego Costa and Gabon’s Ulysse Nadong are also on our roster.

“We are not worried about playing in the hot weather as the matches will be played in air-conditioned venues,” said Sellimi.

Al Khor captain Nayef Al Breiki said, “All our players are determined to provide a good display. Most of the clubs have strengthened their ranks, so we have to be focused on achieving victories.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Al Gharafa vs Qatar SC

Al Gharafa, who finished fourth last season, would look for a good performance this season as well. And for that, they need to make a winning start to their campaign as they take on Qatar SC, who ended up 10th last time.

Al Gharafa are under new coach Christian Gourcuff and have the likes of Dutch star Wesley Sneijder, Iranian Mehdi Taremi and Slovenian Vladimir Weiss in their ranks.

Qatar SC, coached by Abdullah Mubarak, have new recruits Hussein Ali, Alaeddin Al Dali and Brazilian Dodo in the company of Osama Omari as overseas players.

The encounter between Al Gharafa and Qatar SC on Saturday, 4th August, will herald the start of 2018-19 QNB Stars League season. The kick-off is at 17:35 at the Al Sadd Stadium.

The match assumes great importance to both teams as it is crucial for them to make a winning start to the new campaign.

Both Al Gharafa and Qatar SC are sure to go all out and seek full points.

Al Gharafa, who just about managed to finish fourth last season and thereby qualified for the elite Qatar Cup, have Frenchman Christian Gourcuff at the helm. He replaced Turk Bulent Uygun, who joined them midway through last season and helped The Cheetahs go up from the seventh position where the team stood at the end of first phase.

Al Gharafa have the likes of Dutch attacking midfielder and FIFA World Cup runner-up Wesley Sneijder, Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi and Slovakian midfielder Vladimir Weiss, who missed most of last season with an injury.

Qatar SC, who languished at the bottom half early last season, did quite well ever since Qatari coach Abdulla Mubarak replaced Argentinian Gabriel Calderon. The Kings, who once stared at relegation, eventually ended up 10th.

Abdulla is known to bring the best out of his players and that helped the side a lot in last season’s QNB Stars League.

Qatar SC made an overhaul of their squad by replacing three foreign players. They roped in Hussein Ali, Alaeddin Al Dali and Brazilian Dodo while retaining Syrian Osama Omari.

Al Rayyan will definitely look to begin their campaign in the 2018-19 QNB Stars League season on a winning note when they take on Al Ahli on Sunday, 5th August. The kick-off is at 19:45 at the Al Sadd Stadium.

Al Rayyan are on a high after winning the season-opening Sheikh Jassim Cup by beating Al Duhail on Wednesday, 1st August.

The Lions were even in the title race initially last season, but faded out in the face of marauding run by eventual champions Al Duhail and finished behind runners-up Al Sadd.

Al Rayyan underwent a slump in form and had many injury setbacks as they exited in the group stage of AFC Champions League along with Al Gharafa, while Al Duhail and Al Sadd advanced to the knockout round.

This time around, Al Rayyan are under new coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena in place of Michael Laudrup and they would look to put all such disappointments behind.

They suffered a blow as Abderrazaq Hamdallah, their top scorer last season, is a doubtful starter as he is still nursing an injury. Al Rayyan may even look to replace the Moroccan striker. Mohsen Moutaouli moved to Al Ahli, while Uruguayan defender Gonzalo Vieira and South Korean Koh Myong-Jin stayed with them.

Al Ahli would be eager to improve on their ninth-place finish last season. The Brigadiers have bolstered their ranks with Dutch midfielder Nigel de Jong as well as medio Omid Ebrahimi and defender Mohammad Reza, both from Iran.

Qatar SC coach speaks

Qatar SC coach Abdulla Mubarak spoke to the media ahead of their QNB Stars League Week 1 match against Al Gharafa.

“The preparatory period was very short. One month was not enough for the players to gear up for the season. However, we could make an elaborate plan for the tournament.

“We made the best use of our time. We played six friendly games and tried out three different combinations. All players were seen in action and I am so happy that they adapted well.

“We have tried to strike the right balance in our squad. We are up against a strong team (Al Gharafa) in the first match. But it is better to face Al Gharafa than facing Al Duhail at the very start of the season.

“Al Gharafa had put up a strong performance against CS Sfaxien (Tunisian club) at the Salalah tournament in Oman recently. But we are confident. We have set our targets and everyone in the club will be responsible to achieve them.

“My ambition is to put Qatar SC in the top rung of the QNB Stars League. To be among the top four is a difficult target to achieve. For that, we must double our efforts,” said Abdulla.

Al Gharafa coach Christian Gourcuff spoke to the media ahead of their QNB Stars League Week 1 match against Qatar SC.

“All teams are staying focused, particularly at the beginning of the new season. And we are no different. We are concentrating much on our game against Qatar SC.

“We had a very good training camp in the Netherlands ahead of the start of the new season. And then, we played in a tournament in Salalah, Oman. We want to see how we can improve on our game further.

“In the league, you can get bad results sometimes. My life has always been about football, be it a player or coach. One or two games is not a period to assess a team’s overall level.

“I like to win every game. For that matter, all sides would like to win. You can win matches if you play good football. We hope to win Saturday’s match and thus make a strong start to our campaign.

“All my players are ready to take on Qatar SC,” said Gourcuff.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Al Kharaitiyat coach Nassif Al Bayawi 

Al Kharaitiyat coach Nassif Al Bayawi spoke to the media ahead of their QNB Stars League Week 1 match against Al Sadd.

“We have great confidence in our players and we will try to take advantage of our strong points. We have analysed the strengths and weaknesses of other teams and we will try to put up a strong performance than we did last season.

“We don’t like to compare the teams in the QNB Stars League. This is new season and we must start afresh. We have a new team with some new players. We will explore the possibilities to improve our position. Nothing is impossible.

“We hope to achieve our target without much difficulty. We have good support from the club administration. I take this opportunity to thank my players for all the efforts they put up in the pre-season.

“This is going to be one of the tough seasons and many teams will suffer.  In the QNB Stars League, only four teams play for top positions and the rest all belong to the lower tier. We are trying to be the best among the rest. That will depend on many factors. We lost (Rachid) Tiberkanine to Al Sailiya and we hope to make up for his absence,” said Al Bayawi.

Al Ahli coach Milan Macala 

Al Ahli coach Milan Macala spoke to the media ahead of their QNB Stars League Week 1 match against Al Rayyan.

“First of all, congratulations to our rivals Al Rayyan on winning the Sheikh Jassim Cup, the season opener in Qatar. From our side, it is not easy to begin the new season. We only started our preparations on 1st of July. From the outset, we had problems. It is a complicated situation.

“Our professional players joined the squad only late and I hope we put up a better performance than we did last season. I also hope they all gel well with the team. We are trying to find out the best combinations that suit us.

“The new players in the squad must adapt to the situation sooner. I am sure they have the potential to do so. If all things fall in place, we can seek a better position. The fifth or even fourth spot is not impossible for us.

“Basically, we have to compensate for the short preparatory period and get the side ready for the tougher battles,” said Macala.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Al Rayyan coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena

Al Rayyan coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena spoke to the media ahead of their QNB Stars League Week 1 match against Al Ahli.

“We could not have sought a better start to the new season than we had with the Sheikh Jassim Cup triumph. That has tremendously boosted our players’ confidence. More importantly, beating Al Duhail has helped us stand in good stead.

“I would say the Sheikh Jassim Cup is a closed chapter now and we have to turn a new leaf with regard to the QNB Stars League. It’s going to be a difficult game against Al Ahli. They had played some tough games last season, I understand.

“However, I have confidence in my players. I do not want to make tall claims at the start of a fresh league season. We only had 20 to 25 days together to prepare for the tournament.

“You have to work and work, correct the mistakes and improve the game. At the moment, we are not worried about victory or defeat. We are in the process of building a formidable side.

“The first priority goes to the players. Coach comes only after that. I want our results to speak for us,” said Arruabarrena.

Al Shahania coach Jose Murcia 

Al Shahania coach Jose Murcia spoke to the media ahead of their QNB Stars League Week 1 match against Al Duhail.

“We did a good job in the pre-season camp. We hope to build on our strong preparations and do a good job on our return to the QNB Stars League.

“We retained the services of all our overseas professional players even though we have added some new Qatari players to the squad. I hope they gel well with the foreign recruits sooner rather than later. I am sure they will combine well and lift their game when it matters the most.

“We will try to improve our game after every week and thus provide a good level of football. I have great confidence in our players. They are a spirited lot.

“I coached the team in the Second Division and know the players well. Even though the top flight is a different ball game altogether, we are upbeat about our prospects,” said Murcia.

Michael Jordan inspired me: Phelps

By Armstrong Vas

Los Angeles, California: Swimmer Michael Phelps said he looked up to basketball legend Michael Jordan for inspiration as a kid.

Speaking at the Doha Goals Forum here on Sunday, the Olympic champion who is making a comeback said: “As a kid I looked up to Jordan, because of what he did and how he changed the sport of basketball. That’s what I wanted to do in the sport of swimming. We’ve come a long way since 2000 and my first Olympic Games.”

The American legend who has won an astonishing 22 medals at the Olympic Games is one of several Olympic legends who are attending the two-day meet in Los Angeles, one of the greatest gatherings of Olympic legends outside of the Olympic Games.

The list included Carl Lewis, Nadia Comaneci, Bart Conner, Greg Louganis, Apolo Ohno, Yuna Kim, Michelle Kwan, Scott Hamilton, Meryl Davis, Hannah Teter, Abby Wambach, John Carlos and Ato Boldon.

Phelps was interviewed by Boldon, a four-time Olympic medallist and IAAF Global Ambassador from Trindad and Tobago. The swimmer also took questions from the audience.

One Special Olympics Games athlete asked Phelps where he keeps his medals and whether he looks at them for inspiration. Phelps answered: “ I think there’s only one person, maybe a handful of people in this world who know where my medals are… I probably have only looked at them about once or twice all together because there are so many other things that I want to do, whether it’s in the pool or out of the pool. My goals are nonstop.”

Phelps said he aims to have ‘fun’ on his comeback while the situation was different in 2012.

“Going into 2012, I felt like I had to finish there. I had to make it to 2012. Now, I’m just having fun.”

Asked to elaborate on the sequence leading to his comeback, he said: “It was like 9:30, 10 o’clock at night one day and I called him [coach Bob Bowman]. I was like, ‘what do you think about me coming back?’ he was like, ‘call me in the morning.’ So I called him the next morning and he knew that I was for real. I got back to Baltimore and we had a meeting and he’s like, ‘we’re going to do this the right way.’ That’s the way we’ve been doing it. I’m in a much better place now than I probably have ever been in my career.”

Walking down memory lane, Phelps said he did not win any medals at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 which made him very sad.

“I was so discouraged that I didn’t medal. I was fifth in my first Olympics at 15 [in his only race, the 200m butterfly]. I didn’t tie my suit. It was my first time out of the country. I was literally not prepared at all. But I wanted so much more, and I could never, ever settle unless I was the absolute best,” he recalled.

Regarding his Olympic memories he said: “The first [gold medal] was one of the coolest [the 400m individual medley at the Athens 2004 Olympics in world-record time]. Sort of never, ever forgetting exactly where my mom and I shared that first gold medal through a chain-link fence in Athens, Greece, because I was unable to get to my mom. So I passed it through this little chain-link fence [while holding a peanut butter sandwich and telling his mom, “Look what I did,” as has been reported often since 2004]. I think 2008, probably 200m free. I look at that race, and today, still, and say that’s probably my best race I’ve ever swam in my life from start to finish. It was kind of over at 15 meters. I was in the best shape possible. My stroke was perfect. Everything about that race, to me, was the best. [Phelps broke his world record in that event by nine tenths of a second]”

Phelps, who is a brand ambassador for the Special Olympics and took part in the march-past during the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics Games on Saturday, recalled his experiences in school where he was mocked at.

“As a kid, I was picked on. I was made fun of…I used to remember kids flicking [my ears] in school. I can still remember to this day, I remember the teacher and her name in middle school who told me that I would never succeed in anything that I would ever put my mind to.”

“I stood right at the bottom of the tunnel and watched all the athletes come out. You could feel the energy that was coming out…I guess I kind of thought back to what it would have been like if I was able to experience that [Phelps who  has never attended an Olympic Opening Ceremony]…It just sent chills up my body,” Phelps said.

The ongoing Special Olympics Games features 25 sports. Hosts USA, with 491 athletes, has the biggest contingent at the Games while India have sent 338 athletes and Russia have 252 athletes taking part. THE PENINSULA

Special Olympics World Games begin

By Armstrong Vas

Los Angeles, California: Twenty eight athletes from Qatar were part of a colourful opening ceremony of the Special Olympics World Games, which were declared open by US First Lady Michelle Obama here on Saturday night.

Joy, acceptance, courage, determination, unity and especially inclusion were the central themes of the world’s largest sports and humanitarian event, this year attended by 6,500 athletes representing 165 countries.

Michelle Obama praised the athletes for their courage and determination, noting they were an example to the millions of people watching the opening ceremony in their living rooms.

“My husband and I, we are so proud of you, so incredibly proud of you, and we love you all from the bottom of our hearts,” the First Lady said.

“You are filling us with so much hope. Uniting us in a way that nothing else can,” she added.

The inspiring opening ceremony took place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the only venue in the world to host two Olympiads (1932 and 1984), which was filled by nearly 62,000 spectators.

The star-studded opening ceremony, which lasted for four hours and 41 minutes, featured exciting entertainment, parade of athletes, culmination of the final leg of the Law Enforcement Torch run, lighting of the Special Olympics cauldron and ended with a fireworks display.

Headlined by Stevie Wonder, the opening ceremony included performances by Avril Lavigne, Nicole Scherzinger, O.A.R., Cody Simpson, J Balvin, Becky G, Cassadee Pope and Reach Up LA theme song creator Siedah Garrett. Emmy Award winner Debbie Allen directed the show, which was produced by Five Currents. Stars from TV, film and sports also made appearances, including Jimmy Kimmel, Eva Longoria, Lauren Potter, Michael Phelps, Colin Farrell, Greg Louganis and Stephanie McMahon.

Four Special Olympics gold medallists who are representing host countries from the past four Special Olympics World Games and are competing in the 2015 Summer World Games served as flagbearers during the opening ceremony. Flagbearers included Special Olympics USA athlete Nikia Davenport, Special Olympics Hellas Athlete Flora Vermisoglou, Special Olympics Ireland athlete Oliver Doherty and Special Olympics China athlete Xing Le.

Special Olympics International Global Messengers David Egan and Nitzeida Galves were involved as well, holding speaking roles alongside celebrities for the evening. The show culminated with the Final Leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, with Special Olympics Nigeria athlete Solomon Jegede, Special Olympics Nepal athlete Pradip Adhikari, Special Olympics Mongolia athlete Davaa Magvansuren, Special Olympics Iranian athlete Horieh Golchin, Special Olympics Israel athlete Eliyahu Somer, Special Olympics Cuba athlete Darianny  Urtado and Special Olympics USA athlete Destiny Sanchez all serving as torchbearers for the lighting of the Special Olympics World Games cauldron.

Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver energized the crowd with an urgent call to action where there is a more inclusive world for people with intellectual disabilities, saying, “This is your moment. This is our time. The wind is at your backs. You look everywhere and see nothing but the beauty in the world. How lucky we are to be with you.”

Host USA with 491 athletes taking part is the biggest continent followed by India with 338, while Russia has sent 252 which will end here on August 2.

The World Games features 25 sports, 290 events including 23 with Unified Partners and Unified Sports Experience exhibitions at 23 Venues around Los Angeles, including locations at UCLA, USC and in Long Beach, California. The Games run from July 26 to August 2. THE PENINSULA

Doha Goals starts in Los Angeles

By Armstrong Vas

Los Angeles: Qatar – which has emerged as one of the leading sports hub of global sports – is looking forward to developing long-term initiatives to promote sport as vehicle for creating a more inclusive society, commented H E Sheikh Faisal bin Mubarak Al Thani Executive Director of Doha Goals Forum.  

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Doha Goals Forum H E Sheikh Faisal said: “As a nation, Qatar is a strong advocate for the power of sport: it is one of the pillars of our country’s vision. Through the leadership of H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, the country is committed to developing sport for the nation, for our citizens, and most importantly for our next generation.”

The three-day forum, a leading platform for social and economic progress through sport, opened on Sunday in Los Angeles, California - the first time the event is being held outside Qatar.

“Sport is an integral part of our education system, and we treat it with equal importance whether our elite young athletes are training at Aspire Academy, or through community projects encouraging everyone to become more active,” he added.

“Based on the conviction (sport is a powerful tool of change), we decided to create a platform, the Doha Goals Forum. Goals stands for A Gathering Of All Leaders In Sport. In fact, it is a gathering of all people, who share our vision that sport is a unique tool for social progress and economic development, and for building a more inclusive society,” added Sheikh Faisal.

For the last three editions world-class athletes, policy makers, global chief executive officers and leading non-governmental organisations met in Doha to create a roadmap for social improvement through sports and launch cross-border initiatives.

H E Sheikh Faisal said sports has a strong role to play in society.

“Sport not only brings us together, but history has showed it has an unique role in fostering peace, cross cultural understanding and changing the ‘World for the Better,’” he added, while addressing a gathering which included  students from around 23 top sport management programmes in the US and Canada.

“From the day we launched, Doha Goals has been vocal in its commitment to facilitating real change.  We have announced a series of initiatives – many that have come from ideas provided by the Doha Goals community – over the last 3 years,” he said. “These initiatives are proof of our commitment to be a catalyst for new ideas, as they are all built around partnerships (new and old) with the private sector, inter-government bodies, NGOs and individuals, ” he added.

Change, he said, cannot occur by itself, and the best chance any new initiative has to succeed – and to last – is for it to be built on solid connections and relationships.

He also emphasized on the need to use sports as a catalyst for change in society.

Explaining the decision to tie up with Special Olympics Games, which began here on Saturday night H E Sheikh Faisal said: “In 2015, Doha Goals has to the “home of sport and entertainment,” due to our friendship and shared vision with the Special Olympics, the world’s most wide-reaching organisation focusing on sport for development. On behalf of Doha Goals Forum, we extend our personal congratulations to Mr Tim Shriver and his family for their historic leadership in developing the Special Olympics into a Global Social Movement.

“Our partnership will go beyond this week’s presence during the World Games, and we look forward to developing long-term initiatives to promote sport as vehicle for creating a more inclusive society,” he said, while welcoming delegates to two exciting days of collaboration and engaging discussion in Los Angeles. “We have tried to bring a little piece of Qatar with us to Los Angeles and I hope that the Doha Goals Forum 2015 will give you the will to support our initiatives and join us in our call to action.

“This year’s Forum is very much about what we, as individuals, and as local, national and global citizens, can do to promote the many facets of sport. Over the past three years, thousands of participants have come together under the Doha Goals umbrella.  They have held up their hands to be counted as we build a platform for change.

“Let’s use the platform we have here in LA, during the Special Olympics World Games, and the attention that sporting events attract to address some of the greatest divisions and problems that exist in our society,” he added.

Some of the top athletes  who are attending the  meet in LA are 22-time medalist and world champion Michael Phelps, three-time Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast Nadia Comenici, nine-time Olympic gold medallist Carl Lewis, two-time Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast Bart Conner, nine-time Olympic champion swimmer Mark Spitz and former Brazil captain Cafu.

THE PENINSULA