Celebrating Sport with The Embassy of Qatar and Columbia University at Winter SCORES Day!
(New York, NY) - Over 120 poet-athletes from five public schools in the Bronx, Inwood, and Washington Heights brought excitement and joy to the Rocco B Commisso Soccer Stadium at Columbia University on Friday for the third Winter SCORES Day, a collaboration between the National Sport Day of the State of Qatar, America SCORES New York and Columbia University.
National Sport Day is celebrated by Qatari people in February each year, encouraging everyone to participate in sporting activities with family and friends.
Besides celebratory events in Qatar and New York, the Embassy and consulates hosted a series of activities across the U.S., including in Los Angeles with America SCORES and in Washington DC with DC SCORES, DC United and the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation.
Students and coaches from PS 173, PS 98, PS 382, PS 66, and PS 386 celebrated this unique cultural occasion, playing soccer and enjoying traditional food, with representatives from the New York Consulate General of the State of Qatar.
ASNY Executive Director Shannon Schneeman and Columbia Men’s Soccer Associate Head Coach Ken Pollard welcomed His Excellency Nasser Ibrahim Allenqawi, the Consul General of the State of Qatar in New York.
His Excellency Allenqawi spoke to students about the importance of wellness and exercise as well as life in Qatar, a country in the Arabian Gulf. “National Sport Day is a special celebration in our country, where communities and families learn, play and enjoy the benefits of sports and healthy living. We’re pleased to partner with America SCORES New York and Columbia.”
“We want to extend a massive thank you to the Columbia’s Men's Soccer Team and coach Kevin Anderson for volunteering their time and for giving our young people the opportunity to play at this incredible facility. We could not have done this without the Embassy of the State of Qatar and the Consulate General in New York, who we are very grateful for making this all possible. We look forward to continuing this wonderful tradition of sharing soccer and culture,” said Ms Schneeman.
America SCORES New York serves as a driving force in promoting fair play, self-expression, commitment and teamwork for youth in under resourced communities in New York City through a combination of soccer, poetry and service learning after-school and summer programming.
The Consul General concluded his speech by reiterating their commitment to the work done at America SCORES New York, as the Embassy is one of ASNY’s top supporters as the nonprofit embarks on a 2030 Vision Strategy to become NYC’s leader in social justice youth development through sport, self expression and community.
