Dr. Badr Al-Badr, CEO of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Foundation "Misk", unveiled the foundation's vision of considering sports as an essential part of an integrated system aimed at empowering youth. This was discussed during a panel session titled: "Sports as Part of the Youth Empowerment System" held at the Sports Investment Forum.
Al-Badr emphasized that the foundation is working on building a pathway for sports talents from an early age, providing programs in collaboration with various entities targeting the age group of 7 to 17 years. These programs include activating professional pathways in fields such as football and swimming in Riyadh schools.
Event Details
Al-Badr pointed out that the "Riyadh Schools Football Academy" aims to prepare a generation of players capable of representing the Saudi national team in the 2034 World Cup. This initiative is part of the Kingdom's efforts to promote sports as part of the comprehensive development of youth.
He also clarified that the foundation does not view sports merely as a recreational activity but as part of a broader strategy related to health and quality of life in society. In this regard, Misk aims to enhance the role of sports in developing life and social skills among youth.
Background & Context
This initiative comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is witnessing an increasing interest in sports, as the government seeks to enhance its position as a global sports destination. Numerous major sporting events have been launched, including hosting international events, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to developing sports.
These efforts align with Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the quality of life and increase youth participation in sports and cultural activities. Investing in sports talents is part of this vision, as the Kingdom focuses on developing an integrated sports infrastructure.
Impact & Consequences
These initiatives are expected to improve the level of sports in the Kingdom and increase the number of professional athletes. They will also contribute to fostering sportsmanship among youth, positively impacting society as a whole.
Moreover, developing sports talents from a young age can lead to achieving international sports accomplishments, enhancing the Kingdom's status in the global sports arena.
Regional Significance
These initiatives serve as a model for other Arab countries, where other nations can benefit from the Saudi experience in developing sports talents. Additionally, promoting sports in Arab communities can contribute to improving public health and reducing obesity rates and related diseases.
In conclusion, the efforts of the Misk Foundation in developing sports talents represent an important step towards achieving sustainable development goals in the Kingdom and enhancing the role of youth in society.