Saudi Sports for All Federation President Prince Khaled engages KSU students on Vision 2030 and the role of sport
HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, in his capacity as the President of the Saudi Sports for All Federation, took part in a seminar staged by student members of the Vision 2030 Club at King Saud University.
Received onsite by the Dean of Tourism and Archaeology College at King Saud University (KSU), Dr. Salman Alotaibi, and a number of KSU dignitaries, Prince Khaled met with the student club organizers ahead of the seminar.
Prince Khaled participated in a wide-ranging discussion moderated by student Raed Alfaadel, that addressed questions about sport, society, and the Kingdom’s forward trajectory in health and wellness.
“We are working on changing the mindset around physical activity; participating in community sports is not solely about being at an event or cultivating a hobby, it is a pillar supporting your health, your quality of life, and how you can play a role in positive national development,” said Prince Khaled.
Prince Khaled explained that the Saudi Sports for All Federation is the national entity leading the shift from occasional activity to everyday movement. Its programs are designed for everyone, from children and families to youth and seniors, with a focus on making physical activity simple, accessible, and sustainable.
This mission “aligns closely with Vision 2030, which places health, community wellbeing, and quality of life at the center of the Kingdom’s future”, Prince Khaled added, noting that sport plays an “important economic role, contributing to diversification while supporting public health and national wellbeing.”
The results of the Federation’s efforts are significant. In 2018, only 13% of the population met the national activity threshold. Since then, Saudi Arabia has adopted international standards for physical activity, and participation has risen sharply, reaching 59.1% among adults by 2025. Prince Khaled emphasized that this progress was not accidental, but the result of programs built to meet people where they are and help them take practical first steps toward a healthier lifestyle.
Among the Federation’s most prominent initiatives is the Riyadh International Marathon Festival, which in its latest edition brought together more than 50,000 participants from 125 countries. He also highlighted youth-focused initiatives such as Nashati, Tennis for All, Sports for All Centers, Move with Us, and seasonal campaigns like Move Your Summer. These programs reflect the Federation’s belief that young Saudis are not just beneficiaries, but active partners in implementation, volunteering, content creation, and idea development.
Underpinning all of these efforts are four core principles: community, diversity and inclusion, accessibility, and sustainability. Prince Khaled stressed that the goal is to remove barriers and make movement part of everyday life, whether at home, in schools, universities, neighborhoods, or public events.
On challenges, Prince Khaled pointed to a common misconception that sport demands significant time and effort, when in fact it begins with small, simple steps that gradually become part of everyday life. Prince Khaled’s message to students was simple: “Do not wait for the perfect moment. Start with one small step and let consistency turn movement into a lasting habit.”
