A Dazzling Opening Ceremony To Mark The Debut Of The Saudi Games 2022
Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (may Allah protect him), the much-awaited Saudi Games 2022 opened last night with a star-studded event in the presence of HRH Prince Faisal Bin Bander Bin Abdul-Aziz, Riyadh Governor.
The spectacular opening ceremony of the first edition of the Saudi Games – which took place at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh – featured a series of captivating performances, with audiences able to attend live or watch via a television broadcast. Featuring dance performances, artistic extravaganzas, light shows, fireworks and more, the inauguration marked the beginning of the largest event in the Kingdom’s sporting history to date.
HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi Minister of Sports, President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee for the Saudi Games took a moment – on behalf of all the Saudi athletes participating and himself – to express his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman for his patronage, as well as to the Crown Prince HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his presence at the ceremony.
In opening, HRH Prince Abdulaziz credited the honourable Saudi leadership for its unlimited support towards the Kingdom’s sports sector, and its clubs and athletes.
The Saudi Minister of Sports proceeded to officially inaugurate the event in front of a packed venue that also included Their Highnesses and Excellencies, heads of continental and international federations and Olympic committees, are guests of the Saudi Games from all over the world, in attendance.
In his speech, HRH Prince Abdulaziz stated: “With the Saudi Games, our mission is to advance our nation’s sports sector, empowering it with the very best of talent and resources. But it is not just reserved to professional clubs and athletes… Collectively, we want to achieve a healthy society full of individuals who are active and are passionate about various sporting pursuits.”
HRH continued: “I must also pay tribute to all of those who have been involved with his project, developing the right infrastructure, and together building an event to be immensely proud of. We worked with speed and precision to bring to the Kingdom this legacy – for the present and the future – that reflects our great nation’s ambitious and unlimited capabilities.”
HRH concluded: “Today, we are living and witnessing a stellar moment – one that’s full of pride for every Saudi citizen and resident. With meticulous planning and unwavering determination, we successfully bring you a historic inaugural edition of the Saudi Games – one that will shape the future of Saudi sport and its achievements in the years to come and plays a major part of the vision 2030.”
In closing, HRH Prince Abdulaziz paid homage to all the individuals involved in the Saudi Games, including competitors, committees, partners, and volunteers, before wishing athletes the best of fortune during their time at the event. HRH ended by welcoming the public and expressing his hope that they enjoy this historic event and festive atmosphere.
The Saudi Games forms part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, and the great progress that Saudi Arabia is making towards becoming a premier and leading destination for some of the world’s best-known sporting events and competitions.
SAUDI GAMES 2022 OPENING CEREMONY
The opening ceremony of the Saudi Games 2022 commenced with the national anthem of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, accompanied by the raising of the nation’s flag at the King Fahd International Stadium.
As captivating performances got underway, the participating athletes entered the venue while fireworks lit up the Riyadh night sky. Amidst the artistry and various light shows of the night, a great parade with the athletes, excited to earn a place at this prestigious competition, took place. Joining the athletes on the grounds were various other personnel, including coaches and referees.
Storytelling also formed part of the opening ceremony, as a specially commissioned short documentary played to the audiences, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s rich history, beautiful cities, and majestic landmarks.
A key moment followed, as HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, officially granted his permission to launch the Saudi Games 2022, which was followed with the raising of the Games’ official flag.
Finally, rounding up the event was French DJ and music producer, David Guetta, who brought the opening ceremony to a close with a huge musical extravaganza.
SAUDI GAMES 2022
Featuring over 6,000 male and female athletes from more than 200 national clubs, the very first edition of the Saudi Games 2022 will take place across 22 sports venues around Riyadh, and runs from now until 7 November 2022.
During the tournament, participants will compete in 45 individual and team sports, including five para-sports contests, totalling 180 individual competitions.
Athletes will not only be competing for medals, but also for the largest prizes in the history of sport in the region, with a total of more than SAR 200 million prize money set to be distributed. Each gold medal winner will receive SAR 1 million, with silver medallists receiving SAR 300,000, and bronze winners earning SAR 100,000.
LEGACY
Through its first edition, the Saudi Games aims to establish the next generation of talent by supporting national sporting clubs and federations in discovering talent and boosting competitive events between clubs and their athletes through the promotion of sport in the Kingdom. It aims to support investment in and the mentoring of talent to create future champions capable of reaching global podiums.
The Saudi Games also aspires to promote various sporting disciplines to the wider community, encouraging citizens and residents to pursue and become engaged in new activities.
Finally, the Saudi Games forms part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, and the great progress that Saudi Arabia is making towards becoming a premier and leading destination for some of the world’s best-known sporting events and competitions.
