Latest news with #SaudiSportsforAllFederation
Saudi Gazette
16-07-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
ASICS and Saudi Sports for All launch startup pitch to boost sports innovation in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH — ASICS, the global athletic footwear and apparel brand, has teamed up with the Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) to launch the ASICS Innovation Pitch 2025 — a nationwide startup competition aimed at accelerating digital innovation in health and fitness across the Kingdom. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to advance Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals of fostering a healthier, more active society. The program invites Saudi-based startups to submit digital-first ideas that inspire movement and improve well-being. Applications are open until July 31, 2025, with six finalists selected to pitch their solutions live in Riyadh on November 2. Eligible startups must be at least two years old, primarily based or registered in Saudi Arabia, and offer a product or service that is either market-ready or approaching launch. Finalists will receive mentorship and the opportunity to collaborate with ASICS's global innovation, R&D, and marketing teams. Travel and accommodation for up to two team members per startup will be provided. The top three finalists will also be considered for future collaboration opportunities with ASICS, including investment prospects through ASICS Ventures, the company's innovation-focused investment arm. This marks ASICS's first open innovation program in the Kingdom and reflects the brand's increasing regional footprint following the opening of its first Riyadh store in 2023. The SFA, led by Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed, continues to leverage partnerships and technology to build a nationwide culture of physical activity. Startups can apply via the official ASICS Innovation Pitch website before the July 31 deadline. — SG
Arab News
16-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
SFA President Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed ‘sees promise' in new community partnership with Asics
RIYADH: As part of a three-year partnership signed in January 2025 with the Saudi Sports for All Federation, sports equipment manufacturer Asics has announced a new competition aimed at delivering business solutions in the sports industry. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Asics Ventures is looking to accelerate innovation in sports through investment in and collaboration with cutting-edge technology startups globally. So far, Asics Ventures has hosted six accelerator programs in Japan, Europe, and India over the past seven years and has established many networks and invested in startups around the world. Now, it is set to expand into the region by welcoming the SFA as a co-hosting partner of its newest pitch event, titled 'Asics Innovation Pitch in Collaboration with the Saudi Sports for All Federation.' The connection is accepting proposals from Saudi startups until July 30. 'The Saudi Sports for All Federation is proud to work closely with Asics Ventures to enrich the sports ecosystem in the Kingdom,' said Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed, president of the SFA. 'We are looking for digital business solutions that cater to the sports segment. SFA has a good relationship with Asics, and we are proud to build on this with our latest collaborative program 'The SFA is mandated to work with private sector partners, and our work with Asics shows that these partnerships can be structured to generate and support real-world solutions applied here in our country,' he added. The SFA had entered into a three-year strategic partnership agreement with Asics KSA, the Saudi subsidiary of the Japanese multinational sportswear corporation, to prioritize sport as a key contributor to the Saudi economy. The agreement was signed by Shaima Saleh Al-Husseini, SFA managing director, on behalf of the federation and Yohei Takahashi, general manager of Asics KSA, in the presence of senior representatives from the two entities. Under the terms of the agreement, SFA and Asics will collaborate on hosting sports initiatives and promoting health and fitness efforts across Saudi Arabia in line with Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance the quality of life for Saudi citizens and residents. Al-Husseini commented: 'We are thrilled to partner with Asics, a global leader whose dedication to the value of sports matches our vision. This partnership enables us to elevate the experience of participants across the Kingdom by bringing world-class expertise and resources to our grassroots initiatives. 'Our collaboration with Asics underscores our commitment to increasing physical activity and creating unparalleled opportunities for the community and sports enthusiasts,' she added. 'Together, we will inspire and support communities throughout Saudi Arabia to embrace a more active and healthier lifestyle, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.'
Saudi Gazette
30-05-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed leads Saudi Sports for All delegation at MESIF 2025 in London
LONDON — The Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA), led by its President Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, participated in the Middle East Sports Investment Forum (MESIF) 2025 held on May 27–28 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Sponsored by the Saudi Ministry of Investment with strategic support from the Ministry of Sports, the forum brought together over 300 delegates, including representatives from regional sports ministries, sovereign wealth funds, and private sector entities across the MENA region. Prince Khaled praised the forum organizers and sponsors for creating a platform that brought together key stakeholders from across the GCC and beyond. 'MESIF connects the regional sports ecosystem and enables meaningful collaboration across sectors,' he noted. SFA Managing Director Shaima Al-Husseini took part in a panel discussion focused on measuring the social impact of sports. She highlighted the Federation's commitment to a data-driven approach, aligning its metrics with the World Health Organization's Global Action Plan and using national surveys, digital engagement, and community input.'Our programs reflect tangible improvements in public participation, gender equity, and long-term behavior change,' Al-Husseini said, emphasizing the Federation's role in building sustainable, inclusive sports infrastructure across Saudi forum also explored key issues such as sports finance, stadium infrastructure, innovation and technology in sports, fan engagement, and the growing intersection between tourism and sports development. — SG
Mid East Info
12-02-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Inaugural SFA International Sporting Events concludes, with more than 35,000 SFA Expo visitors and over 40,000 Riyadh Marathon participants
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: The Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) is celebrating the success of the inaugural 2025 SFA International Sporting Events, which combined the SFA Expo and the Riyadh Marathon. Held from February 5-7, 2025, the SFA Expo took place at the JAX District, while the Riyadh Marathon followed on February 8, 2025. The SFA Expo attracted 35,359 visitors, with interactive sports zones, fitness classes, health exhibits, and engaging panel discussions, and a B2B lounge for industry professionals. The Primal Race functional fitness competition on February 7 was another major attraction. The 2025 Riyadh Marathon saw 40,494 participants from 131 countries, an impressive jump from 20,000 runners in 2024. It was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Sport, the Saudi Arabian Olympic & Paralympic Committee, the Saudi Arabian Athletic Federation, and Amanat AlRiyadh. Four races took place: the full marathon (42km), half marathon (21km), 10km race, and a family-friendly 4km run. A significant proportion of participants, 67%, were Saudi nationals, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for sports in the Kingdom. Also, 40% were female. The top male and female finishers in the elite marathon categories received US$30,000 each, with additional prizes for second and third. Winners in the half marathon elite race also won cash prizes, with US$5,000 for first place. Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) was the presenting partner for the marathon, with ASICS, Tawuniya, Aquafina and Gatorade as strategic partners for both events. Medical support at the SFA Expo was provided by Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Services Group (HMG), with Ford, Calo, JP Morgan, Centrum, KAFD, Kayanee, and Joe & the Juice all marathon supporting partners. Official partners of the marathon included Kudu, MDLBEAST Radio, and BAE Systems, with Kayanee and Delta Sports the official partners of SFA Expo, and SPIMACO and Huawei official partners of both. JAX District was a venue partner for SFA Expo. The SFA looks forward to building on this success in future editions, continuing to inspire the Kingdom's residents and visitors to lead healthier, more active lives.
Zawya
11-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi Sports for All Federation unveils Riyadh Marathon route, venues, and sponsors
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: The Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) has announced key details for the inaugural 2025 SFA International Sporting Events, which include the SFA Expo and Riyadh Marathon. The SFA Expo will take place from February 5-7, 2025, at Riyadh's JAX District, while the Riyadh Marathon is set for Saturday, February 8, 2025. The SFA Expo will serve as the marathon's bib collection hub and will feature interactive zones focused on sports, health, and fitness, showcasing cutting-edge equipment, wellness activities, and emerging technologies. The event will also include a B2B lounge for industry networking, and workshops on mindfulness and nutrition. Another highlight will be the Primal Race on Friday, February 7, a functional fitness challenge featuring a series of high-intensity activities interspersed with 400m group runs. The Riyadh Marathon will offer four race categories: the full marathon (42km), half marathon (21km), 10km, and a family-focused 4km race. The routes will pass key Riyadh landmarks, including Boulevard City and Wadi Hanifah, starting around Boulevard World and finishing near Kingdom Arena. The SFA Expo and Riyadh Marathon will also be supported by a strong lineup of sponsors and partners. Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) returns as presenting partner, with ASICS and Tawuniya as headline sponsors for both events. Gatorade, Aquafina, and PepsiCo will provide hydration for marathon runners, while Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Services Group (HMG) will offer medical support at the Expo. The Riyadh Marathon will also be supported by Ford, providing race vehicles, KAFD, hosting pre-event activations, and MDL, bringing DJs to energize the event. Calo, JP Morgan, Centrum, and Kayanee will contribute as supporting partners, as will Joe & The Juice, which has introduced a special Riyadh Marathon drink. BAE Systems and Kudu are official partners, helping to promote the marathon, and Huawei will provide mass participant awards. JAX District serves as the Expo's venue partner, while ASICS provides official sports apparel to race participants. As part of the broader Vision 2030 goals, these events reinforce SFA's commitment to promoting fitness and physical activity as key pillars of Saudi Arabia's evolving sports culture. About the Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) The Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA), a proactive community sport and wellness organization founded to promote a healthy lifestyle in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aims to provide access to opportunities for all members of society to practice physical activity. Partnering with government organizations, sports delivery bodies, sports federations, and the wider public and private sector to achieve its goals, the SFA focuses on increasing physical activity and health and wellness metrics across the country. Physical activity is achieved by advancing four strategic priorities: education; community and volunteering; fitness and wellbeing; and campaigns and promotion. The SFA does this by designing and deploying recreational sports programs tailored for women, men, youth, the elderly, and persons with disabilities across Saudi Arabia. *Source: AETOSWire Contacts: Malek Abdelrahman mabdelrahman@
