The eagerly awaited third edition of the Saudi Games is set to begin in Riyadh under the auspices of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. This year, hundreds of Saudi athletes will be competing in a total of 52 individual and team sports, including seven Paralympic sports, 10 demonstration sports, and 15 youth sports. The Minister of Sports and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, expressed his gratitude to King Salman for sponsoring the event, highlighting the leadership’s dedication to developing the sports sector in the Kingdom.
Prince Abdulaziz emphasized that the patronage of the Saudi Games reflects the strong interest of the leadership in sports and its generous support for the growth of sports in the country. He stated that Saudi Arabia is making significant strides towards achieving the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to elevate the status of sports in the Kingdom and position it as a hub for sporting events. The ultimate goal is to nurture a new generation of athletes who will proudly represent Saudi Arabia on the international stage.
The Saudi Games are a pivotal event in the Kingdom’s sports calendar, offering participating athletes the chance to compete for prizes totaling over SR200 million. Gold medalists will be awarded SR1 million, silver medalists SR300000, and bronze medalists SR100000. In the youth category, gold medalists will receive SR100,000, silver medalists SR50000, and bronze medalists SR25000. This substantial prize money underscores the significance of the Saudi Games as a key national sporting event.
Emir of Riyadh Prince Faisal bin Bandar was entrusted with the Saudi Games torch during a ceremony at Al-Hukm Palace, marking the official start of the promotional tour for the event. The torch handover signifies the commencement of preparations for the largest national sporting event in the Kingdom, showcasing the enthusiasm and anticipation surrounding the upcoming competitions. The Saudi Games aim to raise the profile of Saudi sports on both domestic and international platforms, contributing to the development and growth of the sports sector in the country.
As the Saudi Games enter its third consecutive year, the event continues to elevate the status of Saudi sports both locally and globally. The organizers are dedicated to enhancing the level of competition and fostering a new generation of talented athletes who will proudly represent the Kingdom in regional and international competitions. This commitment to excellence underscores the importance of sports as a platform for showcasing Saudi talent and promoting the Kingdom’s sporting achievements on the world stage. With the unwavering support of the leadership, the Saudi Games are poised to make a lasting impact on the sports landscape in the Kingdom.