ar- العربية Sports have always been a unifying force, bringing people together, fostering community spirit, and promoting physical and mental well-being. In Saudi Arabia, sports play a crucial role in society, contributing to the nation’s vision of a healthier, more active population. The Saudi Games, the largest national sporting event held annually in the Kingdom, exemplify this commitment to sports excellence and community engagement. This multi-sport event not only celebrates athletic achievement but also aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals, aiming to inspire Saudi youth, nurture emerging sports talents, and elevate the quality of life through sports.
The Saudi Games: An Overview
The Saudi Games are a massive multi-sport tournament featuring over 53 sports and attracting more than 6,000 athletes from across the Kingdom. The event is designed to uncover and develop athletic talent, providing opportunities for Saudis to engage in a wide range of sports activities. It is a platform where young athletes can showcase their skills, gain valuable experience, and aspire to represent Saudi Arabia in international sports forums.
Launch of the Third Edition
The Organizing Committee of the Saudi Games has announced that the third edition will be held from October 3 to October 17, 2024, in Riyadh. His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sports, President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and president of the Organizing Committee, emphasized the importance of this event. He highlighted that the third edition is a testament to the wise leadership’s continuous support for sports, particularly the generous backing of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. This support has propelled the sports sector in the Kingdom to new heights, fostering unprecedented excellence and qualitative leaps.
Previous Editions and Achievements
The second edition of the Saudi Games, held from November 26 to December 10, 2023, was a monumental success. It saw participation from over 9,000 athletes, technicians, and administrators, representing 147 clubs, 25 Paralympic clubs, and 22 sports academies. Competitors vied for gold in 53 sports across 226 competitions, including individual and team events. The event also featured six Paralympic sports and 12 youth sports, held in 31 well-prepared sports facilities.
Torch Relay and Engagement
The torch relay of the Saudi Games is a significant tradition that promotes the event and its values across the Kingdom. In the previous edition, the torch visited 13 regions, covering 71 locations with the help of 121 athletes and over 440 volunteers. The relay traveled over 13,000 kilometers, engaging communities and creating excitement about the Games.
Economic Impact and Media Reach
The Saudi Games not only foster sports excellence but also contribute to the economy. The previous edition generated economic activity worth approximately 750 million riyals, with total prizes exceeding 260 million riyals. It also created 478 jobs from a total workforce of over 4,950. The event’s media reach was equally impressive, with over 50,000 spectators, 432 million social media impressions, and more than 361 million views on various platforms. The television broadcast included over 570 hours of live coverage, utilizing 397 cameras across competition fields.
Looking Ahead
As the Kingdom prepares for the third edition of the Saudi Games, anticipation is building. The sports to be included, registration dates for auditions, and the start date of the torch relay will be announced soon. The event promises to build on the successes of previous editions, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as a rising sports powerhouse.
The Saudi Games are more than just a sporting event; they are a celebration of national pride, athletic talent, and community spirit. By providing a platform for athletes to shine and inspiring a new generation to pursue their sports dreams, the Saudi Games contribute significantly to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. As Saudi Arabia continues to make strides in sports development, the Saudi Games will remain a cornerstone of its sporting calendar, showcasing the nation’s dedication to excellence and its commitment to nurturing future champions.