‘I discovered a new version of my mom’: How Qatar Foundation’s ladies sport night brought mother and daughter closer

In Doha, Qatar, Qatar Foundation (QF) hosts Ladies Sport Nights at Oxygen Park in Education City, offering mothers and daughters a chance to engage in sports activities together. This program, held every Tuesday evening, caters to different fitness levels and encourages physical activity, bonding, and quality time.

For Fatema Al-Kubaisi and her seven-year-old daughter, Alreem, the experience has been far more than just a workout. Alreem says, "My mom was right beside me, doing the same exercises, but I felt like something different was happening. I felt like my mom was a slightly different kind of mom." Seeing her mother participate alongside her gave Alreem a new perspective on their relationship, describing her mother as a partner in an activity filled with movement, learning, and connection.

Alreem explains how her mother's support encouraged her to attempt challenging exercises like boxing, handstands, and rolls. Fatema, in turn, shared the experience with her daughter, learning new moves and encouraging her throughout the session. This shared activity created a unique bond for the mother-daughter duo, making the day particularly special.

For Alreem, the memories of the day extend beyond the exercises. She expressed interest in trying cycling during her next visit, finding the park beautiful, the weather lovely, and appreciating her mother's presence. Fatema, on the other hand, was impressed by the exceptional quality of the recreational facilities, cleanliness, organization, and attention to details, which create a safe and comfortable environment for families.

While the physical activities were important, what mattered most to Fatema was the memory her daughter would carry with her long after the experience. She hopes her daughter would simply say she had a happy day, without needing anything else. Alreem, too, hopes to hold onto the memory of the day forever, recalling the moments they shared, delightful conversations, and the new, spontaneous version of her mother she discovered.