In a move reflecting the growing interest in developing the sports system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the CEO and Secretary General of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Mr. Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Baeshen, inaugurated the 4th Athletes' Forum. The event was held today, Sunday, in the main hall of the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Olympic Complex in Riyadh, in the presence of Mr. Ibrahim Al-Muaiqil, Board Member and Chairman of the Athletes' Committee, and with a remarkable turnout of over 100 participants, including elite male and female athletes and representatives of sports federations and associations.
The context of sports development and the Kingdom's vision
This forum is being held at a time when Saudi sports are undergoing radical transformations in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which positions the sports sector as a cornerstone of quality of life and economic development. The Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee is working diligently to empower athletes not only as competitors on the field but also as active partners in sports decision-making. This forum is an extension of efforts aimed at integrating athletes into the administrative and professional system and ensuring the sustainability of their careers even after retirement, which aligns with the global trends of the International Olympic Committee that encourage "dual career" programs for athletes.
Specialized sessions to empower athletes
The forum's agenda was rich and diverse, beginning with an introductory session titled "Explaining the Athletes' Committee," presented by Ibrahim Al-Muaiqil and his deputy, Lama Al-Fawzan. This session clarified the committee's pivotal role in protecting athletes' rights and amplifying their voices. The discussion then moved to a dynamic topic: "From Athlete to Entrepreneur," where champions such as Saud Al-Jahdali, Emad Al-Maliki, and Kariman Abu Al-Jadayel shared their inspiring experiences transitioning from the podium to the world of finance and business, providing real-life examples of professional success after sports.
Digital protection and building a personal brand
The forum did not overlook the modern aspects that influence the athlete’s life, as it dedicated a session on “Protecting Athletes” presented by Moudi Al-Sudairi, followed by a special presentation from the “Snapchat” team on the importance of digital presence and building a personal brand, and how the athlete can invest in social media platforms to enhance his mental image and increase his market value.
Lessons learned and competition integrity
The dialogue sessions concluded with a session titled "Success Stories and Lessons Learned," featuring prominent athletes including Abeer Al-Humaidi and Abdulaziz Al-Roudhan, who shared their off-field challenges and triumphs. The ethical and legal aspects of sports were also highlighted in an awareness session presented by Hani Al-Mohammed on "Preventing Manipulation in Sports Competitions," aiming to ensure a fair and transparent sporting environment.
The organization of this forum by the Players Committee in cooperation with the Players Affairs Programs Department confirms the Saudi sports institution’s commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive environment that ensures the Saudi athlete’s psychological and professional stability, which will positively impact his performance and representation of the Kingdom in international forums.
