Riyadh, October 5, 2024 – After an inspiring 30-day journey covering more than 3,500 kilometers across Saudi Arabia, the torch of the Saudi Games 2024 has returned to Riyadh, marking the culmination of a symbolic journey that resonates deeply with the Kingdom's cultural and sporting aspirations. The torch relay, a revered tradition in the sporting world, goes beyond being a mere representation of the games; it stands as a beacon of the noble values the Saudi Games represent, including peace, friendship, and unity. The torch spreads a message of motivation, inviting every individual in the Kingdom to join in this exceptional sporting event, which aligns closely with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and its broader goals for societal and sporting development.
Since its launch in 2022 with the generous support of the Kingdom’s wise leadership, the torch relay has become a critical part of the Saudi Games, helping to promote physical activity, a key pillar of Vision 2030’s Quality of Life program. The initiative not only celebrates excellence in sports but also fosters a sense of unity and inspiration, motivating the people of Saudi Arabia to pursue both regional and global sporting excellence.
Throughout its journey, the torch traveled through at least 17 cities across Saudi Arabia, stopping at significant cultural, historical, and tourist landmarks. At each location, the torch was met with celebrations and events that emphasized the Kingdom's rich heritage. Various champions and influencers from different sports carried the torch, symbolizing their contributions to the nation. Notably, Ahmed Eid, the first president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), was the first to carry the torch from the hands of Prince Fahd bin Saad bin Abdullah, Governor of Diriyah. Other sporting icons, including Mohammed Al-Mukhalis, a world champion in Jiu-Jitsu, Talal Al-Balawi, a Paralympic weightlifting champion, Youssef Masrahi, an athletics champion, and Nawaf Al-Temyat, the 2000 Asian Player of the Year, also participated in the torch relay.
The torch visited more than 47 cultural and historical sites, including the iconic Bujairi District in Diriyah, Jabal Ikmah and the Mughayra Heritage Sports Village in AlUla, the scenic Bajdah Desert in NEOM, and the natural beauty of Wadi Lajab in Jazan. Each stop highlighted the Kingdom’s rich heritage and stunning landscapes, offering a fitting backdrop to the torch's message of unity and inspiration.
Athletes competing in the Saudi Games 2024 will vie for a prize pool totaling SAR200 million. Gold medalists will be awarded SAR1 million, silver medalists SAR300,000, and bronze medalists SAR100,000. In the youth category, the rewards include SAR100,000 for gold, SAR50,000 for silver, and SAR25,000 for bronze medalists. These incentives reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting excellence and recognizing the achievements of athletes at all levels.
The impact of the Saudi Games on the sports ecosystem is profound. The previous edition of the games generated nearly SAR750 million in economic activity, with total prize money exceeding SAR260 million. The event also created 478 jobs, with a workforce exceeding 4,950 people. The participation was widespread, with more than 9,000 athletes, technicians, and administrators representing 147 clubs, 25 Paralympic clubs, and 22 sports academies. Competitions spanned 52 sports, including 226 individual and team events, with six sports dedicated to Paralympic athletes and 12 sports for youth categories. These competitions were hosted in approximately 31 sports facilities across the Kingdom, further illustrating the significance of the event in fostering a dynamic and inclusive sports culture.
