Sports Minister: I am proud to attend the opening of the Special Olympics on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques (video)

Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal confirmed his pride in attending the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal attended today, Saturday, the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin 2023.

“I am very proud of my attendance at the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques,” the Minister of Sports told Al-Ekhbariya Sports.

Al-Faisal added that he wishes success to all participants from the Saudi national team to do their best to achieve the largest number of medals and achievements in the name of the Kingdom.

He continued his speech, saying: “The Crown Prince is keen and supportive of everything related to sports, and the Special Olympics represent an important segment for us.”

The Minister of Sports added: “Today we are witnessing a large number of participants in the Special Olympics in order to achieve achievements in the name of the Kingdom, and had it not been for God and then the support of the Crown Prince, we would not have reached what has been achieved today, as this is the largest number of participants in the Special Olympics,” adding: “I wish them success.” And the most important thing is that they enjoy and make efforts to raise the name of the kingdom high.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister – may God preserve them – for the great interest and support they give to the sports sector in the Kingdom, which contributed to the development The great sport that Saudi Arabia is witnessing and its permanent presence in various tournaments and the achievement of Saudi teams in various regional, continental and international forums.

He stressed that this interest, support and concerted efforts led to an increase in the percentage of people practicing sports and physical activities on a weekly basis to 48% of the total population practicing sports for at least 30 minutes per week, compared to what it was in 2019, when it was 19%.

He said: “The percentage of people practicing physical activity for 150 minutes has also increased from 20% in 2019 to 29% in 2021, which reflects awareness of the importance of exercise among all segments of society, and this would contribute to achieving one of the pillars of Saudi Vision 2030 by reaching A vibrant community that emphasizes the importance of sport and does it regularly.”

His Highness wished success to the players of the Saudi national teams participating in the tournament, and to present distinguished levels that reflect the great development and interest in Saudi sport from the wise leadership, towards continuing to reap the sporting achievements of this category, which is dear to all.

It is noteworthy that the World Games will continue until June 25, with the participation of more than 7,000 male and female athletes representing more than 190 countries in 26 different Olympic games.

video | Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal:

• Very proud of my attendance at the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques

• #Crown Keen and supportive of all things sports and the Special Olympics are an important segment for us#news _ sport pic.twitter.com/sXEukiB60Z

– News – Sport (@sport_ekh) June 17, 2023