Saudi Minister of Sports Attends Special Olympics World Games in Berlin
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, the Saudi minister of sports and president of the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees, attended the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin on behalf of King Salman. The event began with a procession of participating countries, including Saudi Arabia, followed by a speech delivered by Dr. Timothy Shriver, chairman of the Special Olympics International Board of Directors. The ceremony was also attended by other notable figures in the sports industry, including Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, president of the Saudi Arabian Sports for All Federation, and Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, vice president of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
Saudi Arabia is represented at the event by 85 athletes participating in 15 different sports. Prince Al-Faisal met with Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee, to discuss potential avenues for cooperation and strategies to develop Paralympic sports in Saudi Arabia. He also engaged in discussions with Ayman Abdel Wahab, president of Special Olympics Middle East and North Africa, regarding developments in the Kingdom and the broader Middle East region.
Increasing Interest in Sports and Physical Activity in Saudi Arabia
Prince Al-Faisal expressed his deep gratitude to the Saudi leadership for its unwavering interest and support for the sports sector in the Kingdom. He emphasized that such attention, support, and collaborative efforts had led to a substantial increase in the percentage of people engaging in sports and physical activities on a weekly basis. The figure now stands at 48 percent of the total population — compared to 19 percent in 2019 — enjoying a minimum of 30 minutes of activity per week. He said that the percentage of people engaging in physical activity for 150 minutes each week had increased from 20 percent in 2019 to 29 percent in 2021.
These figures contribute to one of the pillars of Vision 2030, which aims to create a vibrant society that appreciates the importance of sports and encourages regular physical activity. The progress made in this area is a testament to the Saudi leadership’s commitment to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle among its citizens.
Special Olympics World Games Continues Until June 25
The Special Olympics World Games continues until June 25 and features more than 7,000 athletes from more than 190 countries, competing in 26 different sports. The event provides an opportunity for athletes with intellectual disabilities to showcase their skills and compete on a global stage. The participation of Saudi Arabia in the event highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and providing opportunities for all individuals to participate in sports and physical activities.
Conclusion
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal’s attendance at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin highlights the Saudi leadership’s commitment to promoting sports and physical activity in the Kingdom. The event provides an opportunity for athletes with intellectual disabilities to showcase their skills and compete on a global stage. The participation of Saudi Arabia in the event underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and providing opportunities for all individuals to participate in sports and physical activities. The progress made in increasing interest in sports and physical activity in Saudi Arabia is a testament to the Saudi leadership’s commitment to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle among its citizens.