RIYADH: The torch of the Saudi Games 2024 has returned to Riyadh, after a 30-day journey across the regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), covering more than 3,500 kilometers, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The SPA reported that the torch is not just a sports symbol but also represents the noble values embodied by the Saudi Games and spreads a message of peace as well as friendship to all it reaches. The SPA added that similarly, it is not simply a celebration of the Olympic spirit but a symbol of human unity, spreading messages of motivation to every person in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to participate in this exceptional annual sporting event.
Launched in 2022 with generous support from wise leadership, the torch aims to contribute to realizing Vision 2030’s goals, the SPA said. It does so by actively participating in the Quality-of-Life program, promoting physical activity in society, and striving for excellence in various sports on both regional as well as global levels.
The torch also traveled to various regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and was celebrated in at least 17 cities. Numerous processions visited important historical, cultural, and tourist landmarks. The torch was accompanied by champions and influencers who had made major contributions to the nation. For example, Ahmed Eid, the first president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), was the first person to carry the torch from the governor of Diriyah, Prince Fahd bin Saad bin Abdullah, the SPA added.
Other prominent figures who participated in the torch relay included Mohammed Al-Mukhalis, a world gold medalist in Jiu-Jitsu; Youssef Masrahi, an athletics champion; Talal Al-Balawi, a Paralympic weightlifting champion and Nawaf Al-Temyat, the Asian Player of the Year in 2000.
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The torch visited at least 47 cultural and historical landmarks, including the Jabal Ikmah , Bujairi District in Diriyah, and the Mughayra Heritage Sports Village in AlUla, the Bajdah Desert in NEOM, as well as Wadi Lajab in Jazan.
Athletes taking parts in the games this year will compete for prizes totaling SAR200 million. Gold medalists will receive SAR1 million, silver medalists SAR300,000, and bronze medalists SAR100,000, the SPA reported. In the youth category, gold medalists will receive SAR100,000, silver medalists SAR50,000, and bronze medalists SAR25,000m the SPA maintained.
The Saudi Games impact the sports system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The previous edition generated about $SAR750 million in economic activity, with a total prize money exceeding SAR260 million, the SPA added. The event also led to the creation of 478 jobs, with a total workforce exceeding 4,950.
Over 9,000 athletes, administrators and technicians from 147 clubs and 25 Paralympic clubs attended, along with 22 sports academies from different parts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The competitions also included 52 sports and more than 226 people as well as team events, with six sports dedicated to the Paralympics and 12 sports for youth categories. The contests were hosted in approximately 31 sports facilities.
