The third edition of the Saudi Games opened on October 3rd, 2024, with a spectacular opening ceremony in Riyadh. Presided over by His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia Minister of Sports and Chairman of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the event was held under the esteemed patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Set to be the Kingdom’s largest sporting event to date, the Saudi Games 2024 also put the spotlight on youth and inclusive sports, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Credit: The Saudi Press Agency (SPA)
Running from October 3 to October 17, 2024, this year’s Games build upon the successes of previous editions. Since its inception in 2022, the Saudi Games have quickly gained global recognition. This third edition features more than 9,000 athletes, including men, women, and youth.
Participation has significantly increased this year, particularly among women and youth. They are competing in 52 individual and team sports and Paralympic events, underscoring the event’s inclusive nature. The sports lineup spans a wide array of disciplines, from culturally significant competitions like archery and camel racing to popular events like athletics, basketball, swimming, martial arts, and even Esports.
A Platform for Youth
The Saudi Games serve as a platform for discovering and nurturing young talent. In line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals to enhance the quality of life and develop a new generation of athletes, the event plays a pivotal role in inspiring Saudi youth to pursue sports excellence. The participation of more than 200 clubs and the introduction of 15 youth-specific sports reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting a healthy, active lifestyle while developing a generation of athletes who will represent Saudi Arabia on regional and international stages.
The Saudi Games 2024 also feature an innovative Fan Zone, offering immersive sports experiences. Fans can engage with 3×3 basketball, beach volleyball, climbing, and skateboarding, creating a more accessible and relatable sports environment that deepens the connection between fans and athletes.
Commitment to Inclusivity
Inclusivity is also a focus of the Saudi Games 2024, with seven Paralympic events showcasing the Kingdom’s dedication to athletes of all abilities. Para sports like goalball, boccia, weightlifting, wheelchair basketball, futsal, and athletics highlight the Kingdom’s efforts to break down barriers and create opportunities for all athletes.
The focus on inclusivity is central to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to integrate sports into everyday life while ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate. By featuring Paralympic sports alongside mainstream events, the Saudi Games are fostering a more inclusive sports culture across the Kingdom.
Setting an Example for Multi-Sport Events
With its grand scale and focus on youth and inclusion, the Saudi Games 2024 set a new standard for multi-sport events, both regionally and globally. By showcasing the power of sport to unite people of all abilities, the Games serve as an inspiration for other nations, demonstrating how sports can be a platform for societal transformation.
UTS congratulates the kingdom for the success of the games and towards promoting and ensuring a deeper level of inclusion. Sport should be for everybody, regardless of differences and these games are a great example of nurturing a better, and more inclusive tomorrow where everybody can thrive.
