The torch of the Saudi Games 2024 has returned to Riyadh after a 30-day journey across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, covering over 3,500 kilometers. The torch, which symbolizes peace, friendship, and human unity, visited 17 cities and 47 cultural and historical landmarks, spreading a message of motivation to every individual in the Kingdom to participate in this exceptional annual sporting event, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Context and Background
Launched in 2022 with support from the wise leadership, the torch relay aims to contribute to realizing Vision 2030’s goals by promoting physical activity in society and striving for excellence in sports on regional and global levels. The journey highlighted Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage, with processions visiting landmarks such as the Bujairi District in Diriyah, Jabal Ikmah in AlUla, and the Bajdah Desert in NEOM.
Key Details
The torch was carried by notable figures, including Ahmed Eid, the first president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), who was the first to carry the torch from the governor of Diriyah, Prince Fahd bin Saad bin Abdullah. Other participants included Mohammed Al-Mukhalis, a world gold medalist in Jiu-Jitsu; Talal Al-Balawi, a Paralympic weightlifting champion; Youssef Masrahi, an athletics champion; and Nawaf Al-Temyat, the Asian Player of the Year in 2000.
Implications and Impact
The Saudi Games have a significant impact on the sports system in the Kingdom. The previous edition generated nearly SAR750 million in economic activity, with total prize money exceeding SAR260 million. The event created 478 jobs and involved a workforce of over 4,950. This year, athletes will compete for prizes totaling SAR200 million, with gold medalists receiving SAR1 million, silver medalists SAR300,000, and bronze medalists SAR100,000. In the youth category, gold medalists will receive SAR100,000, silver medalists SAR50,000, and bronze medalists SAR25,000. Over 9,000 athletes, technicians, and administrators from 147 clubs participated, including 25 Paralympic clubs and 22 sports academies, competing in 52 sports and over 226 events.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The return of the torch to Riyadh marks a milestone in the Kingdom’s journey toward Vision 2030, particularly through the Quality of Life program, which aims to enhance the well-being of citizens and residents by promoting sports and physical activity. As the Saudi Games continue to grow, they play a crucial role in fostering a vibrant society, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a global sports destination, and inspiring future generations of athletes to achieve excellence.
20 Questions
Q1. When did the Saudi Games 2024 torch return to Riyadh?
A1. The torch returned to Riyadh on October 3, 2024, after a 30-day journey across the Kingdom, covering over 3,500 kilometers.
Q2. What does the torch symbolize?
A2. The torch symbolizes peace, friendship, and human unity, spreading messages of motivation to encourage participation in the Saudi Games.
Q3. How many cities did the torch visit?
A3. The torch visited at least 17 cities across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during its month-long journey.
Q4. How many cultural and historical landmarks did the torch visit?
A4. The torch visited at least 47 cultural and historical landmarks, including sites in Diriyah, AlUla, and NEOM.
Q5. Who was the first person to carry the torch?
A5. Ahmed Eid, the first president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), was the first to carry the torch from the governor of Diriyah.
Q6. Which governor initiated the torch relay?
A6. Prince Fahd bin Saad bin Abdullah, the governor of Diriyah, initiated the torch relay by handing it to Ahmed Eid.
Q7. Which world gold medalist in Jiu-Jitsu participated in the torch relay?
A7. Mohammed Al-Mukhalis, a world gold medalist in Jiu-Jitsu, was one of the notable figures who participated in the torch relay.
Q8. Which Paralympic champion took part in the torch relay?
A8. Talal Al-Balawi, a Paralympic weightlifting champion, participated in the torch relay.
Q9. Who is Youssef Masrahi?
A9. Youssef Masrahi is an athletics champion who participated in the torch relay for the Saudi Games 2024.
Q10. Who is Nawaf Al-Temyat?
A10. Nawaf Al-Temyat is the Asian Player of the Year in 2000 for football, and he participated in the torch relay.
Q11. What landmarks did the torch visit in AlUla?
A11. The torch visited Jabal Ikmah and the Mughayra Heritage Sports Village in AlUla.
Q12. What landmark did the torch visit in NEOM?
A12. The torch visited the Bajdah Desert in NEOM, a major tourism and development project in Saudi Arabia.
Q13. What is the total prize money for the Saudi Games 2024?
A13. Athletes will compete for prizes totaling SAR200 million in the Saudi Games 2024.
Q14. How much do gold medalists receive in the senior category?
A14. Gold medalists in the senior category will receive SAR1 million each.
Q15. How much do silver medalists receive in the senior category?
A15. Silver medalists in the senior category will receive SAR300,000 each.
Q16. How much do bronze medalists receive in the senior category?
A16. Bronze medalists in the senior category will receive SAR100,000 each.
Q17. How many athletes, technicians, and administrators participated in the previous edition?
A17. Over 9,000 athletes, technicians, and administrators from 147 clubs participated in the previous edition.
Q18. How many sports were included in the previous edition?
A18. The previous edition included competitions in 52 sports and over 226 individual and team events.
Q19. How many sports were dedicated to the Paralympics in the previous edition?
A19. Six sports were dedicated to the Paralympics in the previous edition of the Saudi Games.
Q20. How does the Saudi Games support Vision 2030?
A20. The Saudi Games support Vision 2030 by promoting physical activity through the Quality of Life program and fostering excellence in sports regionally and globally.
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