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No. 23 Alabama women beat Alabama State 83-33 at Emerald Coast ClassicDana Hull | (TNS) Bloomberg News Jared Birchall, Elon Musk’s money manager and the head of his family office, is listed as the chief executive officer. Jehn Balajadia, a longtime Musk aide who has worked at SpaceX and the Boring Co., is named as an official contact. Related Articles National Politics | Trump’s picks for top health jobs not just team of rivals but ‘team of opponents’ National Politics | Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus National Politics | Biden vetoes once-bipartisan effort to add 66 federal judgeships, citing ‘hurried’ House action National Politics | A history of the Panama Canal — and why Trump can’t take it back on his own National Politics | President-elect Trump wants to again rename North America’s tallest peak But they’re not connected to Musk’s new technology venture, or the political operation that’s endeared him to Donald Trump. Instead, they’re tied to the billionaire’s new Montessori school outside Bastrop, Texas, called Ad Astra, according to documents filed with state authorities and obtained via a Texas Public Information Act request. The world’s richest person oversees an overlapping empire of six companies — or seven, if you include his political action committee. Alongside rockets, electric cars, brain implants, social media and the next Trump administration, he is increasingly focused on education, spanning preschool to college. One part of his endeavor was revealed last year, when Bloomberg News reported that his foundation had set aside roughly $100 million to create a technology-focused primary and secondary school in Austin, with eventual plans for a university. An additional $137 million in cash and stock was allotted last year, according to the most recent tax filing for the Musk Foundation. Ad Astra is closer to fruition. The state documents show Texas authorities issued an initial permit last month, clearing the way for the center to operate with as many as 21 pupils. Ad Astra’s website says it’s “currently open to all children ages 3 to 9.” The school’s account on X includes job postings for an assistant teacher for preschool and kindergarten and an assistant teacher for students ages 6 to 9. To run the school, Ad Astra is partnering with a company that has experience with billionaires: Xplor Education, which developed Hala Kahiki Montessori school in Lanai, Hawaii, the island 98% owned by Oracle Corp. founder Larry Ellison. Ad Astra sits on a highway outside Bastrop, a bedroom community about 30 miles from Austin and part of a region that’s home to several of Musk’s businesses. On a visit during a recent weekday morning, there was a single Toyota Prius in the parking lot and no one answered the door at the white building with a gray metal roof. The school’s main entrance was blocked by a gate, and there was no sign of any children on the grounds. But what information there is about Ad Astra makes it sound like a fairly typical, if high-end, Montessori preschool. The proposed schedule includes “thematic, STEM-based activities and projects” as well as outdoor play and nap time. A sample snack calendar features carrots and hummus. While Birchall’s and Balajadia’s names appear in the application, it isn’t clear that they’ll have substantive roles at the school once it’s operational. Musk, Birchall and Balajadia didn’t respond to emailed questions. A phone call and email to the school went unanswered. Access to high quality, affordable childcare is a huge issue for working parents across the country, and tends to be an especially vexing problem in rural areas like Bastrop. Many families live in “childcare deserts” where there is either not a facility or there isn’t an available slot. Opening Ad Astra gives Musk a chance to showcase his vision for education, and his support for the hands-on learning and problem solving that are a hallmark of his industrial companies. His public comments about learning frequently overlap with cultural concerns popular among conservatives and the Make America Great Again crowd, often focusing on what he sees as young minds being indoctrinated by teachers spewing left-wing propaganda. He has railed against diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and in August posted that “a lot of schools are teaching white boys to hate themselves.” Musk’s educational interests dovetail with his new role as Trump’s “first buddy.” The billionaire has pitched a role for himself that he — and now the incoming Trump administration — call “DOGE,” or the Department of Government Efficiency. Though it’s not an actual department, DOGE now posts on X, the social media platform that Musk owns. “The Department of Education spent over $1 billion promoting DEI in America’s schools,” the account posted Dec. 12. Back in Texas, Bastrop is quickly becoming a key Musk point of interest. The Boring Co., his tunneling venture, is based in an unincorporated area there. Across the road, SpaceX produces Starlink satellites at a 500,000-square-foot (46,000-square-meter) facility. Nearby, X is constructing a building for trust and safety workers. Musk employees, as well as the general public, can grab snacks at the Boring Bodega, a convenience store housed within Musk’s Hyperloop Plaza, which also contains a bar, candy shop and hair salon. Ad Astra is just a five-minute drive away. It seems to have been designed with the children of Musk’s employees — if not Musk’s own offspring — in mind. Musk has fathered at least 12 children, six of them in the last five years. “Ad Astra’s mission is to foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in the next generation of problem solvers and builders,” reads the school’s website. A job posting on the website of the Montessori Institute of North Texas says “While their parents support the breakthroughs that expand the realm of human possibility, their children will grow into the next generation of innovators in a way that only authentic Montessori can provide.” The school has hired an executive director, according to documents Bloomberg obtained from Texas Health and Human Services. Ad Astra is located on 40 acres of land, according to the documents, which said a 4,000-square-foot house would be remodeled for the preschool. It isn’t uncommon for entrepreneurs to take an interest in education, according to Bill Gormley, a professor emeritus at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University who studies early childhood education. Charles Butt, the chairman of the Texas-based H-E-B grocery chain, has made public education a focus of his philanthropy. Along with other business and community leaders, Butt founded “Raise Your Hand Texas,” which advocates on school funding, teacher workforce and retention issues and fully funding pre-kindergarten. “Musk is not the only entrepreneur to recognize the value of preschool for Texas workers,” Gormley said. “A lot of politicians and business people get enthusiastic about education in general — and preschool in particular — because they salivate at the prospect of a better workforce.” Musk spent much of October actively campaigning for Trump’s presidential effort, becoming the most prolific donor of the election cycle. He poured at least $274 million into political groups in 2024, including $238 million to America PAC, the political action committee he founded. While the vast majority of money raised by America PAC came from Musk himself, it also had support from other donors. Betsy DeVos, who served as education secretary in Trump’s first term, donated $250,000, federal filings show. The Department of Education is already in the new administration’s cross hairs. Trump campaigned on the idea of disbanding the department and dismantling diversity initiatives, and he has also taken aim at transgender rights. “Rather than indoctrinating young people with inappropriate racial, sexual, and political material, which is what we’re doing now, our schools must be totally refocused to prepare our children to succeed in the world of work,” Trump wrote in Agenda 47, his campaign platform. Musk has three children with the musician Grimes and three with Shivon Zilis, who in the past was actively involved at Neuralink, his brain machine interface company. All are under the age of five. Musk took X, his son with Grimes, with him on a recent trip to Capitol Hill. After his visit, he shared a graphic that showed the growth of administrators in America’s public schools since 2000. Musk is a fan of hands-on education. During a Tesla earnings call in 2018, he talked about the need for more electricians as the electric-car maker scaled up the energy side of its business. On the Joe Rogan podcast in 2020, Musk said that “too many smart people go into finance and law.” “I have a lot of respect for people who work with their hands and we need electricians and plumbers and carpenters,” Musk said while campaigning for Trump in Pennsylvania in October. “That’s a lot more important than having incremental political science majors.” Ad Astra’s website says the cost of tuition will be initially subsidized, but in future years “tuition will be in line with local private schools that include an extended day program.” “I do think we need significant reform in education,” Musk said at a separate Trump campaign event. “The priority should be to teach kids skills that they will find useful later in life, and to leave any sort of social propaganda out of the classroom.” With assistance from Sophie Alexander and Kara Carlson. ©2024 Bloomberg News. Visit at bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The Evolution of AI: How Deep Learning is Transforming IndustriesQualcomm CFO Akash Palkhiwala sells $484,616 in stockEight weeks ago, Beverly 'Bev' Sherwood had to re-teach herself how to walk at 104 years old after suffering a stroke while gardening. or signup to continue reading It was not the first time Ms Sherwood had to re-learn how to walk after she suffered from "an unknown health condition" as a child which took away her ability to walk. "I used to sit on the veranda of my family house in a chair until one day I decided to hang onto the railing and I pulled myself up and taught myself to walk," she said. Now 105, Ms Sherwood participates in spin classes in Gerringong, an activity she looks forward to "every week". "I started spin at 101 years old, and now I am 105 years old, and I just love moving my body with all my class friends," she said. "My husband Choc was a sportsman and together we enjoyed playing tennis and lawn bowls together. "Keeping fit and active has helped my body keep going through life, serious health conditions and to now live as at 105 years old." Ms Sherwood's trainer from Soul Fit Co, Korin Koutsomihalis, called the centenarian the "biggest inspiration". "I honestly don't think I will meet someone in my lifetime again who inspires me to live life active more than Bev Sherwood," she said. "At a recent visit with her in recovery at the hospital, Bev said to me, 'Korin, I want to walk.' She stood up and held onto my arm, and we together started to take her first steps forward again. "She is iconic and reminds us all to make every training session count to help us live our best lives." A new study from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has revealed 60 per cent of Australians are obese or overweight and as Australia's biggest killer. The new research has promoted AUSactive to call for a new "Walk the Talk" preventative health campaign. AUSactive CEO Barrie Elvish said the urgency was "clear". "Australia needs to stop being a nation of spectators and become one of participants," he said. "Just 15 minutes of movement a day can reverse poor health trends, ease mental strain and save billions in healthcare costs." Ms Koutsomihalis said Ms Sherwood is proof "you can get active and healthy" no matter your circumstances. "When we approach moving our bodies with a mindset that is positive and nurturing, great things happen," she said. "The key is that we need to tap into our bodies 'do-ability'. "That is training for life and training that allows us to enjoy exercise to its full potential." Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, covering the local community. Got a tip? Send it through to me at joel.ehsman@austcommunitymedia.com.au. He/Him Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, covering the local community. Got a tip? Send it through to me at joel.ehsman@austcommunitymedia.com.au. He/Him DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement Advertisement
Amazon reality show horrifies viewers who claim it promotes 'worst of human nature'No. 19 Cincinnati controls the paint in win over GramblingDrop in Boxing Day footfall ‘signals return to declining pre-pandemic levels’
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — When the San Francisco 49ers used a third-round pick to draft Jake Moody last year, the hope was it would settle their kicking position for years to come. A shaky second half to Moody's second season with San Francisco has put that into question headed to the offseason. Moody missed his sixth field goal in the past seven games last week, leading to questions about whether the 49ers will need to replace him or at least bring in competition for next season. Coach Kyle Shanahan expressed confidence in Moody on Thursday, attributing some of the struggles to a high ankle sprain he suffered in his kicking leg earlier in the season. “I still feel the same about him, that I believe he is going to be our guy," Shanahan said. “Everyone has got to perform and do things like that and I think he has had a tough year. ... I thought he was doing really well and then had a high ankle sprain to his kicking foot. Since he’s come back, he hasn’t been as consistent, obviously. But I think a lot of that probably has to do with that, just common-sense wise.” Moody got off to a strong start this season, making all six field goals he attempted in the season opener and going 13 for 14 before injuring his ankle while attempting to make a tackle on a kickoff return in Week 5. He missed three games and has struggled since he returned. He missed three field goals in first first game back at Tampa Bay, two more in the snow at Buffalo in Week 13 and then a 41-yarder last week against the Dolphins. “That’s the great thing about kicking is, you can be as talented as whoever and you can struggle,” Moody said. “I feel like this year, I’ve struggled. It doesn’t really waver my confidence or anything. I feel like, throughout my entire life, I’ve gone through struggles, I’ve gone through high points. The biggest thing is to just stay consistent, not change anything.” Moody had an up-and-down rookie season, making 21 of 25 field goals in the regular season and missing only one extra point. But he missed a potential game-winning kick in a loss at Cleveland and missed field goals in playoff wins against Green Bay and Detroit. Moody then made three field goals in the Super Bowl with two coming from more than 50 yards, including a go-ahead 53-yard kick late in the fourth quarter against Kansas City. But Moody also had an extra point blocked in that game. “I believe we’ve got the right guy and I think that eventually, I think he has shown that at times,” Shanahan said. "I thought he showed that at times his rookie year. I thought he showed that big time being 12 out of 13 to start this year. And I think he’ll show us all that in the future.” NOTES: The Niners placed LT Trent Williams on IR after his ankle injury hasn't healed as quickly as hoped. Shanahan didn't think there were any long-term issues. ... LB Dre Greenlaw (calf) will be shut down for the rest of the season after playing parts of two games in his return from a torn left Achilles tendon. ... OL Spencer Burford (calf) didn't practice but might be able to play this week. ... San Francisco has signed two OL this week, adding Matt Hennessy and Charlie Heck. ... RB Isaac Guerendo (hamstring, foot) was limited but appears on track to play this week. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLIt was a very special day for the Manitoba Moose at the Canada Life Centre Thursday. More than 4,800 people from 60 different schools watched the Moose’s American Hockey League game against the Chicago Wolves — and they were all students and teachers taking part in Project 11. “Project 11 is a mental health initiative that was created in honour of Rick,” said Project 11’s Angeli Booz. “The goal is to provide lessons for teachers to use in the classroom so that they can have these important conversations with their students,” said Angeli Booz, Project 11.” Students from Gonzaga Middle School in Winnipeg’s North Point Douglas area were at the game, including students Jade Smithkipling and Kalia Tavares. The pair say they have different experiences with self-doubt and insecurity. “I don’t really feel insecure that much, like, I love myself,” said Jade, 11. “I do get like, a little self-conscious ... say, presenting in class about something. I get really nervous,” said Kalia, 12. Though different, the young hockey players face off with their own challenges the same way. “Stay calm, just be yourself. People don’t have to like you. Don’t change yourself for someone,” said Jade. “Don’t care what other people think of you. Just do your thing,” said Kalia. Their teacher, Sarah Carter, says although hockey is a huge focus for the school, Project 11 allows her students to also learn about mental health. “When our students are able to, all together as a school come to a hockey game, we’re gonna be able to talk about this when we go back to class,” Carter said. “We’re gonna be able to talk about how we did something together and that’s a huge part of the mental health talk, is being a community, being able (to be) there to support each other.” “Like, you need to share just in case it gets too out of hand,” added Jade. “Because people can help you and probably cheer you up. Stuff like that,” said Kalia.
THE NBA has dropped a hefty fine of Jaylen Brown for a celebration. Jaylen Brown got a bit overexcited during a game against the Detroit Pistons and let out a brutal celebration. Brown went off in the game on Wednesday, 28 points with nine assists and six rebounds. His performance helped the Celtics win 130-120 despite a strong offensive showing from the Pistons. The Pistons shot an astonishing 51.3 percent from three and 51.2 percent from the field. The Celtics were more physical though, and Brown dunked on Pistons power forward Isaiah Stewart. Read more on the NBA After dunking on him, Brown stared him down and gestured like he was cutting his throat. The NBA didn't like seeing this and were quick to levy a big fine towards Brown. The Celtics star will have $25,000 taken out of his paycheck. "Celtics' Jaylen Brown has been fined $25,000 for throat slash gesture toward Isaiah Stewart on Wednesday," NBA reporter Shams Charania reported . Most read in Basketball NBA fans were split on whether or not the fine was correct, and shared their thoughts on social media . "It’s a fair fine. Kind of a weird gesture," one fan said. "Should’ve been $75,000 you cannot be doing that," another fan said. "What happened to the game I love," a third fan said. "Soft league," a fourth fan said. "They wonder why ratings down can’t show any emotion or have fun," a fifth fan said. While Brown may be going over the top in his celebrations, the Celtics are still winning games. Quarterfinals Tuesday 10 December - Orlando Magic at Milwaukee Bucks, 7 pm ET Tuesday 10 December - Dallas Mavericks at Oklahoma City Thunder, 9.30 pm ET Wednesday 11 December - Atlanta Hawks at New York Knicks, 7 pm ET Wednesday 11 December - Golden State Warriors at Houston Rockets, 9.30 pm ET Semifinals Saturday 14 December - SF1, 4.30pm ET (T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada) Saturday 14 December - SF2, 8.30pm ET (T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada) Final Tuesday 17 December, 8.30 pm ET (T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada) They hold a 18-4 record on the season, only losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers , Golden State Warriors , Atlanta Hawks , and Indiana Pacers . While they are having a good season, they were eliminated from the NBA Cup. The quarterfinals in the East consist of a matchup between the Milwaukee Bucks and Orlando Magic and a game between the New York Knicks and the Hawks. Read More on The US Sun The West side of the quarterfinals has a matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks and a game between the Houston Rockets and the Warriors. The championship game will be played on December 17 in Las Vegas .AP News Summary at 4:35 p.m. EST
(NAPSI)—The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but when the average American is spending nearly $1,000 on gifts, food, and decorations, they can also be the most stressful. For many, the pressure to create a picture-perfect holiday can stretch budgets a bit too far. Many of today’s shoppers seek advice from their favorite online influencers, sourcing creative hacks, recipes, DIY projects, and tips to keep the holidays magical without overspending. In fact, 69% of consumers say they value and actively seek out influencer recommendations. Now, questions don’t need to get buried in the comments. This December, TextNow is flipping the script on holiday stress by introducing the Holiday Hotline , a free resource to help you navigate the season, with advice a mere text away. Whether it’s finding affordable gifts, creating a festive dinner on a budget, or even learning how to save on your monthly bills, the Holiday Hotline can make things simpler, cheaper, and—perhaps most importantly—more joyful. TextNow Holiday Hotline: Expert Advice at Your Fingertips From December 5–10, TextNow’s Holiday Hotline connects you with relatable experts (aka some of your favorite influencers including social media creator and podcast host Remi Cruz, Kayla Savings, and Melissa Weiss) who will share their go-to tips for a budget-friendly holiday. Here’s what you can expect: • Holiday Budgeting 101: Learn simple ways to stretch every dollar and avoid those dreaded post-holiday bills. • Affordable Gift-Giving Ideas: Thoughtful, creative gifts that won’t break the bank. • Festive Decorating on a Dime: Transform your home into a holiday wonderland with budget-friendly hacks. • Stress-Free Holiday Cooking: Recipes and meal-planning tips to impress your guests. Need more advice? Just text the hotline at 310-299-3584, and you’ll get personalized, practical tips sent straight to your phone. Win $1,000 for Your Holiday Dinner As if free expert advice wasn’t enough, TextNow is also giving you the chance to win big this holiday season. Enter the $1,000 Dinner Giveaway for a shot at a $1,000 gift card to cover your holiday expenses—whether it’s for food, gifts, travel, or whatever else makes your season special. Entering is simple: 1.Head to TextNow’s Instagram . 2.Like the giveaway post. 3.Share your best holiday tip in the comments (bonus: share the post to your story for an extra entry). 4.The giveaway runs from December 5-12, with winners announced from December 13-16. Save More This Holiday Season TextNow is more than just a phone service—it’s a way to take control of your budget, not just during the holidays but year-round. • Free Phone Service: Unlimited calling and texting on the nation’s largest 5G network free. No gimmicks, no contracts. • Free Essential Data: Get free data for such essential apps as maps, rideshare, and email when you activate your SIM card. • Additional Flexible Data Plans: Add extra data only when you need it, with hourly, daily, or monthly passes. Getting started with TextNow is easy. Download the app to call and text for free over Wi-Fi or unlock free cellular service with a $4.99 SIM card. Learn More For more details, visit www.TextNow.com . Word Count: 491
Notre Dame turns offense loose in easy win over Le MoyneBoxing Day shopper footfall was down 7.9% from last year across all UK retail destinations up until 5pm, MRI Software’s OnLocation Footfall Index found. However, this year’s data had been compared with an unusual spike in footfall as 2023 was the first “proper Christmas” period without Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, an analyst at the retail technology company said. It found £4.6 billion will be spent overall on the festive sales. Before the pandemic the number of Boxing Day shoppers on the streets had been declining year on year. The last uplift recorded by MRI was in 2015. Jenni Matthews, marketing and insights director at MRI Software, told the PA news agency: “We’ve got to bear in mind that (last year) was our first proper Christmas without any (Covid-19) restrictions or limitations. “Figures have come out that things have stabilised, we’re almost back to what we saw pre-pandemic.” There were year-on-year declines in footfall anywhere between 5% and 12% before Covid-19 restrictions, she said. MRI found 12% fewer people were out shopping on Boxing Day in 2019 than in 2018, and there were 3% fewer in 2018 than in 2017, Ms Matthews added. She said: “It’s the shift to online shopping, it’s the convenience, you’ve got the family days that take place on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.” People are also increasingly stocking-up before Christmas, Ms Matthews said, and MRI found an 18% increase in footfall at all UK retail destinations on Christmas Eve this year compared with 2023. Ms Matthews said: “We see the shops are full of people all the way up to Christmas Eve, so they’ve probably got a couple of good days of food, goodies, everything that they need, and they don’t really need to go out again until later on in that week. “We did see that big boost on Christmas Eve. It looks like shoppers may have concentrated much of their spending in that pre-Christmas rush.” Many online sales kicked off between December 23 and the night of Christmas Day and “a lot of people would have grabbed those bargains from the comfort of their own home”, she said. She added: “I feel like it’s becoming more and more common that people are grabbing the bargains pre-Christmas.” Footfall is expected to rise on December 27 as people emerge from family visits and shops re-open, including Next, Marks and Spencer and John Lewis that all shut for Boxing Day. It will also be payday for some as it is the last Friday of the month. A study by Barclays Consumer Spend had forecast that shoppers would spend £236 each on average in the Boxing Day sales this year, but that the majority of purchases would be made online. Nearly half of respondents said the cost-of-living crisis will affect their post-Christmas shopping but the forecast average spend is still £50 more per person than it was before the pandemic, with some of that figure because of inflation, Barclays said. Amid the financial pressures, many people are planning to buy practical, perishable and essential items such as food and kitchenware. A total of 65% of shoppers are expecting to spend the majority of their sales budget online. Last year, Barclays found 63.9% of Boxing Day retail purchases were made online. However, a quarter of respondents aim to spend mostly in store – an 11% rise compared with last year. Karen Johnson, head of retail at Barclays, said: “Despite the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, it is encouraging to hear that consumers will be actively participating in the post-Christmas sales. “This year, we’re likely to see a shift towards practicality and sustainability, with more shoppers looking to bag bargains on kitchen appliances and second-hand goods.” Consumers choose in-store shopping largely because they enjoy the social aspect and touching items before they buy, Barclays said, adding that high streets and shopping centres are the most popular destinations.
Samsung plans big for India's AC market; to launch over a dozen models with 'connected features' and moreQatar tribune Tribune News Network Doha Visit Qatar is gearing up to host a first-of-its-kind multi-activity village at Sealine Beach, developed in collaboration with key stakeholders including the Ministry of Sports and Youth, Qatar Sports for All, and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. Taking place over three weeks from January 3 to 27, 2025, Visit Qatar’s Sealine Season will highlight Sealine Beach as an iconic destination, offering a vibrant range of family-friendly experiences and activities. The initiative aims to cater to all segments of the community, with activities spanning sports, entertainment, cultural displays, and engaging attractions. Commenting on the launch of Visit Qatar’s activations at Sealine Beach, Ahmed Hamad Al Binali, director of Festivals and Events at Visit Qatar, said: “Sealine Season represents a significant step in showcasing Qatar’s diverse offerings, blending its natural beauty with dynamic cultural experiences. This three-week initiative provides local and regional visitors with a distinctive and memorable experience.” Visit Qatar is working with several government entities to deliver a world-class experience, including, the Ministry of Sports and Youth, who will oversee the activation of sports competitions, including volleyball and football, and will manage a dedicated cultural area to highlight Qatar’s heritage. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change will provide space and will exhibit some oryxes. Issa Al Harami, director of the Sports Affairs Department at the Ministry of Sports and Youth, expressed his delight in supporting the Sealine Season activities, which provide comprehensive experience that combines sports and entertainment. He noted that these activations aim to foster interaction between the community and visitors through many innovative activities. Saleh Hassan Al Kuwari, director of the Natural Reserves Department at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, said the ministry’s participation in the Sealine Season activation, organised by Visit Qatar, underscores its efforts to advance local eco-tourism. This, according to him, includes offering unique recreational activities to attract visitors and raising awareness about the importance of preserving Qatar’s biodiversity to ensure its sustainability for future generations. Kuwari explained that the ministry has allocated a space within the Sealine Season to exhibit the Arabian Oryx, an iconic environmental and cultural symbol of Qatar. This initiative provides visitors with an authentic representation of the region’s wildlife, offering insights into Qatar’s natural environment and highlighting the state’s commitment to protecting endangered species. Sealine is renowned for its natural beauty, featuring towering sand dunes and extensive coastlines that make it a standout location for eco-tourism. Kuwari said Sealine’s distinctive environmental and geological features have fostered the development of a unique ecosystem, home to rare plant and animal species. These characteristics have earned the area the highest levels of environmental protection. He emphasised that Sealine is a prominent site for diverse mammal populations and is distinguished by its high sand dunes, which create a remarkable combination of geological formations and environmental attributes. Qatar Sports For All (QSFA) will facilitate community-based sporting activities aimed at promoting health and well-being, creating opportunities for all visitors to engage in physical activity. Abdulrahman bin Musallam Al Dosari, president of the QSFA, emphasised that the Federation’s participation in the Sealine Season activities reflects its commitment to social responsibility. During the mid-academic year break, the Federation focuses on delivering a diverse range of high-quality sports and recreational activities suitable for all ages. Copy 25/12/2024 10