Saudi Arabia Participates in Special Olympics 2023 World Games
Opening Ceremony Attended by Saudi Arabian Officials
On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – may God protect him – His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Sports and Chairman of the Olympic and Paralympic Committee of Saudi Arabia attended, on Saturday at The opening ceremony of the Special Olympics 2023 World Games was held at the Olympic Stadium in the German capital Berlin. The ceremony was attended by His Highness the Minister of Sports, His Royal Highness Prince Khaled bin Al Waleed bin Talal, President of the Saudi Federation for Sports for All, His Highness Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musayed, Vice President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Games, and HRH Prince Abdullah bin Khalid bin Sultan, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Federal Republic of Germany, Member of the Board of Directors of the Olympic Committee Adwaa Al-Arifi, Director General and Secretary General of the Committee Abdulaziz Baashen and Saudi Special Olympics Federation President Dr. Maha Al-Juffali. The President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, announced the opening of the session, wishing success to all participants. The ceremony began with a march of the participating countries, including the Kingdom, in addition to the paragraphs of the exhibition, and then the speech of the President of the International Special Olympics, Dr. Timothy Shriver.
Saudi Arabian Delegation Participating in 15 Sports
The Kingdom participates with a delegation of 85 male and female players in 15 sports (handball, basketball, judo, bowling, soccer, equestrian, badminton, volleyball, beach volleyball, bocce, athletics, cycling, weightlifting, table tennis, swimming ).
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Thanks Saudi Arabian Leadership for Support of Sports Sector
On this occasion, His Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister – may God bless them – for their great interest and the support they give to the sports sector in the Kingdom, which has contributed to the great development of Saudi sports and its constant presence in various tournaments, as well as the achievements of Saudi teams in various regional, continental and international forums.
Saudi Arabian Population Increasing Participation in Physical Activity
His Highness affirmed that this interest, support and concerted effort has resulted in an increase in the proportion of people participating in sport and exercise on a weekly basis to 48% of the total population exercising at least 30 minutes per week compared to what was in 2019 when it was 19%.
He said: “The percentage of people practicing physical activity for 150 minutes has also increased from 20% in 2019 to 29% in 2021, reflecting the awareness of the importance of exercise among all walks of life, and this will help achieve one of the pillars of the Vision. Saudi Arabia 2030”, reaching a vibrant community that highlights the importance of sport and does so regularly.”
His Highness wished success to the players of the Saudi national teams participating in the tournament and presented outstanding levels reflecting the great development and interest in Saudi sports from the wise leadership aimed at continuing to reap sporting achievements in this category, which is dear to all.
Conclusion
Notably, the World Games will run until the 25th of this month and will feature over 7,000 male and female athletes representing over 190 countries in (26) different Olympic Games.
