Saudi Sports Delegation Collaborates With Greek Executives To Enhance Community Sports

The Saudi Sport for All Federation (SFA) concluded a visit to Athens, Greece, from May 7 to 10. The visit aimed at exchanging expertise, exploring international best practices in community sports, and learning about popular sports facilities and effective techniques for promoting sports participation.

The Federation delegation was led by Prince Khalid bin Alwaleed bin Talal, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Executive Director Shaima Saleh Al-Husseini. They met with the Greek Minister of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports, Jiannis Frutis, and the Secretary General for Sports Affairs, George Mavrotas.

Discussions during the meetings covered governance, the role of sports in promoting mental health and quality of life, and the unveiling of the "Kouros" platform. This unique digital tool tracks sports participation and performance data, aiding in data-driven decision-making and talent development across 63 federations.

The Greek team reviewed financial incentives for sports clubs and innovative community sports programs. These initiatives aim to enhance community engagement in sports activities and promote a healthier lifestyle among citizens.

The delegation also met with the Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, and his team to discuss the importance of community sports policies and initiatives. The Greek side highlighted efforts to reduce car usage and encourage cycling and other means of transportation.

Plans for international events, including the "Tour of Hellas," were discussed to activate cycling trails and promote cultural exchanges among community members. These events are expected to foster greater interaction between different communities through shared sporting activities.

Exploring Best Practices

On the last day of the visit, the SFA delegation toured several key locations. These included the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, the Peace and Friendship Stadium, and the Athens Olympic Museum. The aim was to explore and transfer international best practices to the Kingdom.

The visit underscores the SFA's commitment to enhancing community sports in Saudi Arabia by learning from global examples. The insights gained from this trip are expected to contribute significantly to the development of local sports initiatives.

With inputs from SPA