Members of the Youth Panel’s final cohort continue to get lessons in volunteering, event management and social media by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) as part of the preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
More than 50 young people who represented 30 different countries recently visited stadium and infrastructure sites and continued to enjoy exclusive access to architects, engineers and leading experts involved in laying the foundations for the first tournament in the Arab world, Supreme Committee’s official website said.
Established by the Supreme Committee in 2015, 120 young people have so far successfully attended the training programmes.
More than 400 applications were received by the Supreme Committee to participate in the 2018 cohort. From the applicants 100 youngsters were shortlisted, 93 were interviewed and 54 were selected.
Mead al-Emadi, the SC’s Community Engagement Manager, said the Youth Panel is one of Qatar’s most successful Community Engagement programmes.
“It has allowed us to engage directly with a new generation of football fans in Qatar. This group now has been given the training to participate in the FIFA World Cup in 2022 in various different ways,” he said.
Al-Emadi said the SC has plans to establish an alumni programme that will provide with a pathway to the next level of engagement with the SC.
“The alumni now comprises more than 150 students based in Qatar and all over the world,” she explained.
This year’s panellists have taken part in ten sessions since November 2018 and have five more to be held before the completion of the programme.
The next sessions will focus on social media, venue readiness, event operations and event management.
During the last few months, members have learnt about volunteering and played active roles during major events, such as the 2019 CAF Super Cup and the launch of Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah City.
In addition, members have discovered more about the role of broadcasters in creating a universal tournament and the SC’s flagship CSR programme: Generation Amazing.
Recently, a number of panellists participated in a Generation Amazing activation with professional women footballers Lianne Sanderson and Ashley Nick, both of whom recently represented Juventus. Organised by the SC and beIN Sports, the activity took place at Khalifa International Stadium.
Speaking about her experience, Nour Shalaby, 16, said that she learned a lot about how much effort and time was needed for the World Cup to be successfully organised.
“I feel like being part of the 2022 World Cup. And it allows me to gain more knowledge and understanding of the different components needNewed to run a smooth sporting event” Nour said.
Shaikha al-Kubaisi, 17, said she is honoured to be a part of 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar by witnessing the rapid progress of the country and seeing the stadiums, sharing the advancements in the delivery of the World Cup with peers, and seeing the purposeful legacy to be left behind after the tournament has been educational, inspirational and enjoyable.
Talking about his overall experience with the Youth Panel, Salam Alkhuraibi, 15, said the panel has really left a place in his heart.
“The moment I walked into the first session, I gained a lot of confidence. It helped me meet lots of great people with similar interests and become even more sociable,” he said.
“What I have found inspiring in this journey is the determination that the SC has to spread knowledge about Qatar 2022. Sharing my experience with my family, friends and schoolmates made them excited to hear what I do every month and know more about Qatar’s World Cup,” he added.
Source:gulf-times.com
