Making FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Truly Healthy and Safe: Strategies and Legacy for Present and Future Sporting Events
Abstract:
Aside from the FIFA men’s World cup,
fewer other global sporting events have the potential to attract the undivided attention
of global leaders and citizens. It is arguable the most influential global sporting
event. Thus, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has been themed “Healthy 2022 World Cup
- Creating Legacy for Sport and Health”, and the goal is to make the event the most
successful, healthiest, and safest sporting event in recent human history. The event
is meant to rekindle the global conversation around the double disease pandemic
that is presently ravaging the world. The fast and furious Covid-19 and the subtle
and steadily progressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The event organizers
also intend to use the platform to provide and implement health promotional strategies
that will successfully prevent and control the spread and progression of these diseases
and influence most global football enthusiasts to cultivate healthy and sustainable
lifestyle changes. A successful event may likely be a model and legacy for future
sporting or social events. However, for the FIFA World cup Qatar 2022 to be effective
in changing unhealthy behaviours and in promoting safe and healthy lifestyles, it
should have some vital components. The planning and execution of such a project
need to be systematic, comprehensive, and evidence-based. This review briefly discussed
the global impacts of Covid-19 and NCDs, the importance of combating these diseases
through the FIFA World cup Qatar 2022, and finally suggested strategies that will
likely ensure the event achieves its set goals and objectives.
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