Saudi Gazette report

BERLIN — On behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, the Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki, who is also the chairman of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, participated in the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.

The opening of the session was announced by the President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who wished success to all the participants. The ceremony began with the marchpast of the participating countries, including Saudi Arabia, in addition to several shows.

The opening ceremony, which was held on Saturday in the Berlin Olympic Stadium, witnessed the presence of a number of Saudi officials.

Saudi Arabia is participating this year with the biggest delegation in its history in the Special Olympics World Games, which include 85 athletes, men and women, taking part in 15 different sports.

The sports in which Saudis are participating vary between handball, basketball, judo, bowling, football, equestrian, badminton, volleyball, beach volleyball, bocce, athletics, cycling, weightlifting, table tennis, in addition to swimming.

Prince Abdulaziz thanked Saudi Arabia's leadership for their great care and support for the sports sector in the Kingdom, which contributed in the huge development that the sport in Saudi Arabia is witnessing.

It has also led to its permanent presence in various tournaments, as well as the achievement of Saudi teams in various regional, continental and international events.

He confirmed that this great support has also led to the increase in the number of people who are performing sports activities weekly.

He said 48% from the total population are practicing sports for at least 30 minutes weekly, compared to 2019, when the percentage was only 19%.

The percentage of people practicing sports activities for 150 minutes has also increased from 20% in 2019, to 29% in 2021, which reflect the increase in the people's awareness toward the importance of doing sports, Prince Abdulaziz said.

The prince noted that this would also contribute in achieving one of the Kingdom's Vision 2030's pillars of reaching an active society that focuses on the necessity of sports, and to practice them regularly.

It is noteworthy that the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 will last until the June 25, with the participation of 7,000 athletes representing more than 190 countries, in 26 different Olympic games.