By Ayomide Otitoju
Building on the success of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, Qatar and the World Health Organization (WHO) have released a new report offering valuable lessons and recommendations for hosting safe and healthy mega sporting events worldwide.
The report, titled Changing the Game: Strengthening Health and Well-Being through Sport Events, is the result of a three-year collaboration between Qatar, WHO, FIFA, and Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy under the Sport for Health partnership. Launched at a ministerial event during the 71st WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Committee meeting in Doha, the report highlights best practices and strategies that emerged from the Qatar 2022 tournament.
H.E. Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, Qatar’s Minister of Public Health, emphasized that the collaboration between Qatar, WHO, and FIFA sets a benchmark for integrating health into the planning of major sporting events. “The Sport for Health model demonstrates our commitment to harnessing the transformative power of sports to create lasting improvements in public health,” Dr. Al Kuwari said. “This report captures a new collaborative model that brings together nations, international organizations, and sports federations for a shared mission.”
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, praised the initiative as a blueprint for future events, showcasing how sports can promote both physical and mental health. “This report reinforces how health promotion and security can be seamlessly integrated into the staging of mega sporting events,” he said. “WHO remains dedicated to ensuring that such events continue to be powerful drivers of sustainable health.”
Qatari Olympic high-jump champion Mutaz Barshim echoed these sentiments, highlighting the impact of sport in promoting well-being. “Sport has the unparalleled ability to inspire, unite, and transform lives,” he said. “The Sport for Health initiative during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ demonstrated how sport can lead to healthier lives for everyone, setting a valuable precedent for future global events.”
Key Lessons and Recommendations
The report offers a comprehensive review of the Sport for Health partnership’s three-year project and proposes several recommendations for enhancing health and safety at future sporting events. Key findings include:
Establishing partnerships with private health sectors, including hospitals and healthcare providers, ahead of major events to ensure effective collaboration.
Involving all relevant authorities and stakeholders in decision-making, planning, and execution.
Developing and testing comprehensive safety plans through major incident drills and training programs.
Strengthening compliance with public health protocols and social measures to safeguard health during events.
During the 2022 World Cup, a range of health promotion activities were launched, including campaigns on tobacco control, healthy diets, mental health, and physical activity, alongside health security measures. These efforts contributed to a safe and enjoyable tournament experience for visitors, players, and residents alike.
The report also stresses the importance of using major sporting events to advocate for healthier lifestyles beyond the competition itself. Qatar’s initiative to promote physical activity, healthy nutrition, and overall well-being serves as a model for future global events, reinforcing the long-term health legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
