Sports

Sports in Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is achieving unprecedented development in the sports sector by focusing on youth and sports initiatives to enhance the quality of life for all segments of society and to achieve the objectives of Vision 2030. These efforts prioritize promoting physical and social well-being and encouraging healthy lifestyles. Key goals include increasing physical activity, fostering sports values, and improving the sports environment to elevate performance levels.

Saudi Arabia’s Sports Objectives

First Pillar: Enhancing Physical Activity

• Introducing innovative sports programs to expand participation across all societal segments and develop youth skills.

• Expanding the pool of trainers and volunteers in the sports sector.

• Boosting Saudi women's participation in sports.

Second Pillar: Developing Competitive Sports

• Empowering and enhancing the efficiency of sports organizations.

• Strengthening the role of media in promoting sports culture.

• Increasing Saudi Arabia’s representation in international sports arenas.

Third Pillar: Improving Sports Facilities

• Enhancing the management efficiency of sports facilities and improving stadium environments.

• Optimizing investments in sports facilities.

Fourth Pillar: Promoting Financial Sustainability

• Creating investment opportunities and organizing sports events.

• Privatizing sports clubs and boosting their competitiveness.

Fifth Pillar: Developing Institutional Performance

• Improving staff efficiency and sports programs.

• Strengthening transparency and accountability.

• Building partnerships with government, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA)

Established in 1439H, the SFA serves as the primary authority for developing community sports in Saudi Arabia. The federation aims to increase participation in physical activities to 40% by 2030 through innovative and sustainable programs that encourage all demographics to adopt healthy, active lifestyles.

Community Sports

Community sports focus on non-professional physical activities to achieve health and social benefits. These activities include any form of movement that increases heart rate, contributing to overall health improvement.

National Sports Strategy

The strategy aims to reduce physical inactivity among adults by 1-10% by 2025. Targeted groups include:

• Children and Adolescents: Providing programs to promote physical activity in schools and beyond.

• Youth (18-25 years): Encouraging sports participation in universities and communities.

• Adults (26-50 years): Supporting physical activities at work and home.

• Seniors (+50 years): Offering sports programs to enhance mental and physical health.

Key Sports Achievements and Programs

Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee
Founded in 1964, the committee gained international recognition in 1965. It is the official body representing the Kingdom in global sports events.

Saudi Pro League (SPL)
Established in 2008, the SPL independently manages the Saudi Professional League’s financial and administrative affairs. It aims to elevate the league’s global ranking and increase club investments.

"Move with Us" Initiative
Launched by the Saudi Sports for All Federation in 2022, this initiative promotes physical activity through running and cycling races across various regions in the Kingdom.

Sports Associations
These nonprofit organizations support talent discovery and foster community participation in sports.

Sports Medicine
Prince Faisal bin Fahd Hospital for Sports Medicine, established in 1406H, provides comprehensive medical services to athletes, including prevention and treatment using the latest technologies.

Sports for People with Disabilities
The Kingdom is working on developing comprehensive sports programs for people with disabilities, aiming to empower them to actively participate in physical and sporting activities. The Kingdom strives to provide an integrated sports environment that meets the needs of individuals with disabilities, helping them improve their physical fitness and overall health, while also promoting their social and psychological integration. These programs include special sports competitions and technical support to facilitate participation in various sports.

Benefits of Physical Activity by Age Group

• Children and Adolescents: Physical activity reduces the risk of obesity and smoking by tenfold.

• Youth: Enhances employment opportunities by 7% and improves leadership skills by 13%.

• Adults: Lowers the risk of heart disease by up to 30%.

• Seniors: Reduces cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer’s symptoms, extending life expectancy by five years.

These initiatives and programs demonstrate the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering a healthy, active, and dynamic society aligned with Vision 2030.

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