The Saudi team continues its intensive preparations for the 5th Asian Youth Para Games, which will be hosted by Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and are scheduled to begin next week. These preparations are taking place amidst high morale and strong determination from the athletes and coaching staff to represent the Kingdom in the best possible way at this important continental event.
The Saudi national teams are currently undergoing a rigorous training program at their camp in Sharjah, where they train twice a day, morning and evening, at several well-equipped sports facilities to ensure they reach peak physical and technical readiness before the official competitions begin. The Kingdom is participating in this edition of the Asian Games with a delegation comprising a selection of promising athletes who will compete in eight major sports: swimming, athletics, goalball, 3x3 basketball, boccia, taekwondo, table tennis, and weightlifting.
This participation is particularly significant within the context of the sporting movement underway in Saudi Arabia, where the sports leadership is giving considerable attention to sports for people with disabilities, in line with the goals of Vision 2030, which aims to empower all segments of society and enhance quality of life. The Asian Youth Games serve as a strategic platform for discovering and developing talent, paving the way for future champions capable of competing in international Paralympic Games, thus strengthening the Kingdom's position on the global sports map.
As part of its commitment to the athletes' awareness and psychological well-being, preparations extended beyond technical and physical aspects to include educational components. The Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee organized a specialized workshop titled "Sports Safety," targeting Saudi athletes participating in the Games. The workshop addressed in detail the internationally recognized measures, policies, and practices for protecting all participants in sporting competitions.
The workshop highlighted the various forms of abuse athletes may face, including raising awareness of the dangers of psychological abuse, physical harm, harassment, assault, neglect, and bullying, as well as degrading practices that may occur in some sporting environments. The workshop also presented a range of practical solutions and suggestions for protection and support, outlining the official steps athletes should take if they experience or witness any of these violations, in order to ensure a safe and healthy competitive environment befitting Olympic sporting values.
It is worth noting that Dubai’s hosting of this continental event reflects the great development in the sports infrastructure in the GCC countries, and their ability to organize major tournaments for people with disabilities, thus providing an ideal platform for Asian youth to showcase their abilities and challenge disability through sports.
