15th Asian Games PART 1- Doha 2006

[Qatar Son 333]

Corporate Hospitality

At the heart of any great sporting event lies world-class hospitality. The 15th Asian Games will be an opportunity for Qatar to extend its heartfelt welcome and world-class Arabian hospitality to all guests. The Sponsor Hospitality Village, located at the Sport City welcomes corporations from Qatar and beyond to enhance their Games experience with the finest Qatari hospitality in the luxurious Asia Suite.

The Asia Suite can host up to 250 people daily during the 15th Asian Games and provides a complete corporate hospitality solution. This five-star environment offers guests the opportunity to meet and network with some of Qatars business leaders and to be taken on a culinary journey with menus featuring delicacies from across the continent.

As the only Official Hospitality destination for Doha 2006, the Asia Suite promises to add a new dimension of class and comfort to the overall Games experience.

[Qatar Son 333]

Superstars for Opening Ceremony

Friday, 17 November, 2006

Superstars for a super ceremony, With a metaphorical fanfare of trumpets, Doha Asian Games Organising Committee (DAGOC) announced the names of the first of a galaxy of headline superstars who will be performing at the eagerly awaited Opening Ceremony for the 15th Asian Games on 1 December

As expected, the list of headliners spans Asia, the Middle East and the west too, bringing contrasting styles and a wide appeal across all spectrums of taste.

Until now the names of the performers have been a closely guarded secret, but we are now privileged to release the names of the first four to the public.

DAGOC announced on Friday 17 November that Hong Kong, China’s pop superstar Jacky Cheung; Indian pop and Bollywood sensation Sunidhi Chauhan; Lebanese artist Magida El Roumi and tenor José Carreras will be among the star spangled galaxy of performers at the Opening Ceremony to be held at Khalifa Stadium 1 December, starting at 18:00.

“We are so excited to announce the leading performers who will play a major role in heralding the start of the 15th Asian Games in Doha,” said Ahmed Abdulla Al Khulaifi, Deputy Director General, DAGOC. “We recognised the need to bring on board inspiring Asian as well as international artists in order to encapsulate the wide range of athletes and backgrounds represented throughout the Games.

“We are eagerly awaiting what will be the culmination of several years of planning for the biggest ceremony Asia has ever known. More than 8,000 artists from the Middle East, Asia and around the world will have contributed their creative skills to realise Qatar’s dream of making the Doha 2006 ceremonies unforgettable for generations to come.”

From furthest east comes Jackie Cheung, Hong Kong, China’s pop superstar and the man who was best selling Chinese singer in the world for two years running, as well as being voted one of the world’s most outstanding young persons. Cheung’s fame is as a singer, but he has also performed to critical acclaim in musicals and films. Jackie Cheung will be performing a song specially written for the Opening Ceremony

Travelling west we come to India, the home of the next superstar, Sunidhi Chauhan. Sunidhi will perform Reach Out, a song written by internationally renowned Australian composers Paul Begaud and Vanessa Corish. The song is a salute to the athletes from 45 countries and regions participating in the 15-day Games.

Sunidhi Chauhan might be just 19 years-of-age-old, but she has been performing since the age of four and is perhaps one of India’s best known young singers and performers. She will be coming to Doha from a 12-stop tour across the US.

Now to the Middle East; Lebanese artist Magida El Roumi is next on our voyage west. Magida is an ambassador for United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation, and has been a symbol and an idol for global audiences for more than three decades, reflecting in her life and songs an image of a nation and its people.

Magida El Roumi will perform a duet with our fourth headliner, and the man from the western extreme of Eurasia, Spanish performer José Carreras.

José Carreras is one of the world’s greatest tenors and has performed with the most renowned conductors all over the world. Famously, he performed at the 1990 World Cup in Rome.

Doha 2006’s Opening Ceremony is the first time El Roumi and Carreras will perform together. Their Light the Way duet will herald the arrival of the 15th Asian Games Torch at Khalifa Stadium after its 50,000km, 15 country and region Relay.

DAGOC commissioned Australian company David Atkins Enterprise (DAE) to conceive, create and produce the Opening and Closing’ Ceremonies for the Games. DAE’s portfolio includes the Sydney 2000 Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games Handover Ceremony.

But DAE, DAGOC and everybody concerned confidently believe that those previous triumphs will be put into the shade by the spectacular awaiting the global audience of billions watching on television, and the tens of thousands of spectators and thousands of athletes and officials present in the 50,000-seater Khalifa stadium on 1 December.

[LittleLouChang]

Originally Posted by qatar son 333

power of the games ??? maybe its especally made for the video somwhere in the clip thay say dawhatna means the name doha. i am a torchbearer for your information they sent me a letter and told me you will meet us in 29th november 2006 8:45am.

Wauw congrats! That's a big honor
I wish I could be in Doha to see the whole thing, but I am kinda stuck here in Denmark, and I am going out of my mind
I hope at least they will show a bit of it on one of channels here, but I doubt it

[Qatar Son 333]

thanks dosent aljazeera sports show in denmark? , btw heres 2 videos for the torch relay :http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroo...id=29&type=eng http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroo...id=19&type=eng

[Qatar Son 333]

Volunteers : http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroo...id=13&type=eng

[Mo Rush]

would it be possible to watch parts of the games or opening online?

[Qatar Son 333]

did you know there are 3000 torch bearers around asia and 1000 (including me) are in Qatar !!!

[Qatar Son 333]

Spirit of the games anyone : http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroo...id=18&type=eng

[Qatar Son 333]

crazy orry : http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroo...id=28&type=eng
http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroo...id=25&type=eng
http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroo...id=27&type=eng

[Qatar Son 333]

Dubai, UAE - Sat 18 Nov

Dubai travels for the Flame


Twelve countries visited, another three to go – including the United Arab Emirates – before the much-travelled Torch Relay of the 15th Asian Games reaches Qatar on Saturday 25 November.

Today, 18 November and Day 42 of the 50,000km marathon, the 15th Asian Games Torch continued on its travels in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Today’s proceedings began in front of the impressive Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai, one of the world’s most remarkable hotels and thought to be the only seven-star hotel on Planet Earth.

Designed to resemble a billowing sail, the 320m–high hotel dominates the Dubai coastline and, not surprisingly, offers an unforgettable sight at night.

HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the 15th Asian Games Torch Relay Ambassador, lit the day’s torch from the safety lantern carrying the Asian Games Flame and handed it to HE Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the chairman of Dubai Sports Council.

Flanked by his two brothers, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Rashid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, HE Sheikh Hamdan mounted his horse and galloped away, the three men exchanging the Flame between them while riding striking, white horses.

Boy Scouts lined the route waving the UAE flag, while bagpipers from the Dubai Police Band played traditional music as they proceeded along the Route.

Outside the Madinat Hotel, the Al Maktoum brothers exchanged the Flame with their sister, Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the captain of the UAE women’s karate team.

The Flame journeyed along Al Wasl Road, where it was transported in a classic, black,1956 Mercedes 180S, before being taken aboard another classic vehicle, this time a bright red 1972 Pontiac Trans-Am from the Emirates’ Motor Sports Association.

Along Al Safa Road, the Relay pace picked up as The Torch was driven by Ahmed Bin Sougat, Emirates’ rally champion and Yahya Bin Heli, Arab desert rally champion. Both sped along in modern-day rally cars.

Sheikh Zayed Road was the next part of the Route. The Flame was carried by international FIFA referee, Mike Riley of England. He passed an army of construction workers who are busy working on the Burj Dubai building; once completed, to be the world’s tallest.

As the flame continued along Sheikh Zayed Road, Sheikh Saud Bin Abdulrahman, the Secretary-General of the Qatar National Olympic Committee (QNOC), exchanged the Torch with Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hasher Al-Maktoum. He is the UAE’s first ever Olympic gold medalist, having won the double trap shooting in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

The Torch then continued to Dubai Creek, where, on arrival at the Dubai Creek Club Marina, the crowds were entertained by young girls from Al Mezeher School who performed a traditional song, and danced dressed in brightly coloured national costumes.

From there the Flame was transported on a bright blue Class1 powerboat belonging to Mohamad Al Mary from Victory Team UAE Dubai. After crossing Dubai Creek, the powerboat stopped alongside Dubai’s Heritage Village where the Flame passed to Khalfan Hareb, the chief of the Emir’s Diwan and the last Torchbearer.

Khalfan Hareb carried the Flame to the celebration site, Sheikh Saeed House, and handed it to the first Torchbearer of the day, HE Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, who ascended the steps to the stage and he lit the Cauldron with the help of HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani.

As the Cauldron burst into flames, a fantastic firework display erupted into the night sky.

Tomorrow (Sunday), the Flame travels to Abu Dhabi, the final stop in the UAE, before heading for Kuwait on Monday.

[Qatar Son 333]

Cool pic of the torch in dubai : http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroo...tos.aspx?id=97

[Qatar Son 333]

video of dubai : http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroo...rchvideos.aspx

[Qatar Son 333]

Official Supplier: Technogym

With more than 20 years’ experience supplying professional sports and events, including three Olympic Games, Technogym has become the authoritative voice on analysing fitness and wellbeing in managerial, technical and training sectors.

Professional sports stars such as Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher, the Americas Cup team and players from Liverpool FC are just a few examples of those who have successfully used Technogym’s equipment over the years.

By focusing on three main product lines – training at the gym, at home and rehabilitation – Technogym has delivered its equipment to worldwide sports clubs, hotels, beauty spas, rehabilitation centres and private homes.

After its previous experiences at Olympic Games, Technogym will bring a unique knowledge to the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006 and athletes, delegates, coaches, trainers and medical staff from 45 countries and regions will be able to experience the company’s brand.

During Doha 2006, Technogym’s package of services will allow athletes to access a complete training system, including precise biometric trajectories, kinesis – for any specific sports training – and easy-to-use and reliable equipment.

As the Asian Games is the second largest sporting event behind the Olympic Games, Technogym is delighted to be a partner at such a huge event and looks forward to reinforcing its presence in the Middle East and Asia.

Technogym will be showcasing some of its products during the Games on Market Street, in front of Khalifa Stadium, and will unveil the latest fitness products designed for the home and office, including Kinesis Personal – a synthesis of Technogym’s experience in the world of physical movement and the exclusive design of architect Antonio Citterio, an icon in a new line of home products.

www.technogym.com

[Qatar Son 333]

All smiles as Athletes' Village opens

Three years ago it may have seemed a dream yet now the breathtaking Athletes’ Village for the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006 has officially been opened.

It marks an incredible and rapid transformation that has turned an area of sand in March 2004 into a state-of-the-art accommodation for more than 10,500 participating athletes.

A poly clinic, dining hall, swimming pool and tennis courts are all features of a site that has impressed all who have seen it. There is also a retail centre, local cultural village and athletes’ entertainment area.

“No words can really express my joy,” Abdulla Khalid Al Qahtani, Director General of Doha Asian Games Organising Committee, told Qatar Tribune. “You just can’t explain the thrills I’m getting while standing in the middle of this dream project."

“Brick over brick was laid and wall over wall erected. Everything was done as planned and the Athletes’ Village has come up as an architecture wonder, more beautiful than I dreamt of.”

Sharing the same enthusiasm, Ahmed A. Al Khulaifi, Mayor of the Athletes Village said: “As a team we understand the enormous responsibility Qatar has to show hospitality to all those arriving. We are honoured to be the host and prepared to meet the challenge. It is the optimum setting for athletes and together we will make history.”

Hamad Al Tamimi, Director of Athletes Village said:“Through dedication and hard work we have made a fully functional Athletes’ Village.

“People can learn about Qatar and its people, arts, crafts and pastimes. They can feel relaxed and refreshed and enjoy the community spirit.”

Mr Al Khulaifi and Mr Al Tamimi cut the ribbon to signal the grand opening on Wednesday 15 November.

Teams from the competing 45 countries and regions have begun arriving at the Athletes’ Village ahead of the Games Opening Ceremony on 1 December.

The complex will be converted into a Medical City when the Games are over.

[Qatar Son 333]

Games volunteers show true spirit

For Mustafa Fatthi it is time to give something back, to repay Qatar for six years of hospitality. The 40 year-old Sudanese, a tall man who towers over most, has decided like so many others – 16,000 of them, in fact – to volunteer and help the 15th Asian Games run smoothly.

The trading company salesman who came to Doha with his wife and young son will now give up his time for free to help spread a message of peace and unity at the Games.

Mustafa has driven his enormous white pick-up truck to the outskirts of Doha. The sand sits still in the midday heat.

The Uniform and Accreditation Centre (UAC) is located near the Al Gharrafa stadium, one of the venues for the football tournament. Today, Mustafa will get volunteer training and his uniform.

“It is important that you give something to Qatar,” he beams as he strolls into the brand new building. “I will learn new skills too, like dealing with people. It will look good on my CV – many of my friends are getting involved for the same reasons.

“Volunteers also get some tickets to the events. I am looking forward to taking my wife and son to the football or the basketball, we love sport in Qatar and the Games will give Doha a huge boost,” he says as his long legs help him follow the signs to the training wing.

“I will be working each day in the morning, but will be free each evening to help.” Mustafa will distribute team sheets, statistics and other material to journalists at the media centre. He will pick up some useful computer skills while volunteering.

He has already got his initial accreditation so does not have to queue at the front desk. This is a blessing because there are a lot of people waiting, all about to get involved in Doha 2006. Not all of them are volunteers, some are paid staff and others have been recruited from other areas in town but many are just ‘regular Joes’ (or Joannes) like Mustafa.

Volunteers are not required to work every day during the Games but when they are on shift they will usually work six to eight hour shifts.

Rachel Dobson runs the training centre. The Western Australian is bright and very friendly as are all of her team. Bearing in mind they do their presentation several times a day their enthusiasm is impressive, they make you feel like you are the first person they have seen that day, and they have seen many, many people since they started in September. Their positive attitude rubs off on the volunteers.


Commitment

I’m Qatari, it’s my duty, I want to represent my country
First of all Mustafa joins a lecture, housed in a small but well-equipped conference hall with raked seating which would not look out of place at any major university. There are about 20 people who sit attentively through an impressive video presentation welcoming them and giving the group an outline of their possible duties. After it is finished there is a quick briefing. This will go on throughout the day, every day, up until the end of November. As this group departs it is not long before another files in behind.

There are two main things to remember. Never say “I don’t know”, try as hard as you can to help the person requesting information, and “a smile is part of your uniform”. The DVD presentation concludes with a heart-warming multicultural mosaic of different people smiling. It convinces you just how important a smile can be.

The new recruits are themselves grinning as they make their way to a room which feels a bit like a pre-school nursery because it is so colourful. There are lots of eye-catching posters on the walls and little areas with information about the Games on flow charts and touch-screen monitors.

It is an eclectic mix that has gathered. A man originally from India, a South African women and many of regional origins. Each area of the room represents one of the ’five C’s’. An enthusiastic and enterprising woman called Sawsan talks us through them. The five C’s encourage a volunteer to be: competent, customer focussed, cheerful, culturally aware and committed. The volunteers have a bit of fun talking in their own languages and finally sign a book pledging their commitment to the Games.

One of the messages in the book says “Good luck to all the volunteers!” there is a light-hearted moment when one of the members of staff asks the collective what they think of the uniform. The Indian man, looking smart in a shirt and tie, mumbles: “they are very bright”.

He is right, the uniforms are bright. If you haven’t seen them yet (when you do you won’t miss them!) here is what to expect. The trouser and T-shirt combination are a fantastic array of yellow, blue, red and orange, and there is a zip-up jacket to round things off. The ensemble is eye-catching, and the uniforms stand out in a crowd for good reason. Volunteers at the Games need to be visibly accessible so spectators know who to ask for assistance. They are as much a part of the job as cheery disposition and turning up on time.

[Qatar Son 333]

Spirit of the Games

After receiving the briefing on the five C’s the group are on their way to collect their uniforms. Mona Hamed doesn’t seem like a natural volunteer. You would have thought a 30 year-old women, who is hardly a sports fanatic, would be reluctant to give up a fortnight of her time in December. But you would be wrong.

“I come today to get my uniform and training for my job at the bowling venue,” she says. “I am from Egypt and I came to live here four years ago. I am interested in volleyball, I played at school and want to watch.”

All the volunteers get free tickets to events. Football is very popular. Later, Mona will line up for her volleyball tickets, which she gets. Before that, Mona hurries off to get her uniform. She peels away to the right to get her gear, and is pointed in the right direction by Enas Mujahed.

Enas is a paid member of staff who is originally from Palestine. She is smiley and very helpful. She says on any given day at least 200 people will come through to collect their uniforms. Sometimes it is many more.

Men outnumber women, but there is a constant stream of female volunteers. Women can choose from the colourful uniform or, if they prefer something more understated, there is a black abaya with red trim and an attractive ħijāb (or head scarf) in the colours of the Games.

Gentlemen get kitted out away to the left. The uniforms are on the pegs waiting to be tried on as you round the partition. It is like a multi-coloured high street retailer with changing booths on each side. At the far end are dark blue suits which are for volunteers who will deal with VIPs and dignitaries during the Games. There is a pin with the logo of the Games on it which helpers will wear on their lapels.

Saeed is a 67 year-old Qatari who’s very proud to be given his blue blazer. He will assist dignitaries in December. He is one of those old folks that you find everywhere who loves telling you how old he is, wearing it like a badge of honour, but he cuts a sprightly figure as he eyes up his suit in the full length mirror.

“My wife keeps me young!” he smiles. When asked why he’s getting involved he looks a little confused from the question and says. “I’m Qatari, it’s my duty, I want to represent my country.”

The buzz in the fitting room is electric, everyone is excited and enthusiastic without exception. There are a lot of jokes and a lot of laughs. Many of the countries and regions of the Games are represented on the ‘shop floor’.

Volunteers from Palestine, Jordan, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and many other places are helping to make things go without a hitch. The true spirit of the Games is found here. Soon the whole world will see it when the Games begin, but for now it is shimmering like the Doha 2006 Flame between a selection of florescent T-shirts and a cardboard box full of red baseball caps.

[suzan]

I guess this thread is your qatar son

[Qatar Son 333]

thats wat i was thinking althou its yours does anyone read this i am just mostly posting for the guests.

[suzan]

Why should it be mine? nop
But what I mean is that you are the only one contributing!!

[suzan]

Why should it be mine? nop
But what I mean is that you are the only one contributing!!