Qatar Football Association__ Uncategorized
30.01.2015 23:21 in :

Doha – On a two-day return to Qatar, via the planned roadshow, the Challenge 22 team and ambassadors provided two information sessions in Hamad bin Khalifa University in Qatar Foundation to talk about the exciting new initiative. Challenge 22 is an innovation award developed to inspire and challenge the region’s brightest minds.

Initiated by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), Silatech and Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), Challenge 22 is an innovation award that was born out of a desire to celebrate the 2022 FIFA World Cup QatarTM as a regional event.

Challenge 22 Ambassadors Areej Al Kharafi, owner of Fortune Cookie and The Other Project, and Mohammed Saeed Harib, Founder of Lammatra Art Production and creator of the popular cartoon “Freej”, joined the session. They were joined by Challenge 22’s country ambassador, Mohammed Al Housani, this year’s winner of the Stars of Science competition, a Qatari alumnus from Texas A&M University.

Al Housani spoke about his experience developing the concept that won the competition. “My professors encouraged me to try, even if you don’t win, at least you tried.”

Harib, an animation director and Chairman of Lammatra Art Production, spoke about how he overcame the challenges he faced on his journey to success. “I had a steady job, but I knew I had to challenge myself to bigger things. It took me 10 years to get to where I am today. Challenge 22 is giving you the opportunity to streamline this process in a few months.”

Al Kharafi added, “I am where I am today because of social media. Challenge 22 will ensure your ideas will get the exposure that will put you down in the history books.”

Challenge 22 is seeking applicants within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to submit proposals related to three key themes that address challenges faced by Qatar and the world, when hosting major sports events.

“Qatar is full of innovators and entrepreneurs that can take part in this opportunity and receive mentorship to further their idea,” said AlHousani, “It’s an opportunity of a lifetime.”

atma Al Nuaimi, Social and Human Legacy Manager at the SC spoke about the Challenge 22 roadshow, “We’re delighted to return to Qatar during the roadshow, and are grateful to our partnerHBKU for hosting the sessions to inform people about this wonderful opportunity. The enthusiasm and interest we have received so far has been overwhelming. We’d like to encourage more people to attend the information sessions and find out how they can be part of Challenge 22.”

The three themes for the inaugural launch of the award are Sustainability, Event Experience, and Sports and Health. Successful applicants have the opportunity to win a cash prize of USD $20,000 during Phase 1 of the competition and a grant to further develop their idea into a proof of concept during Phase 2 of the competition.

The Challenge 22 roadshow commenced in Kuwait and will conclude on 17 February in the United Arab Emirates. For a full schedule of Challenge 22 activities and for more information about the award, please visit www.challenge22.qa