of the population (ages 15+) admitted to not have engaged in sports or physical activity in the last month and only 13 percent were considered to be living an active lifestyle based on a 30-minutes weekly benchmark. A lot of health issues today are related to inactivity and very poor lifestyle habits. Aligned with Vision 2030, the main initiatives are divided into eight pillars: Schools and universities, community sports groups, private partnerships, municipalities, mass participation events, community-focused coaching and volunteering, communication campaigns, and insights and monitoring.
RECENT ACTIVITIES COMMUNITY SPORTS GROUPS One of the biggest undertakings of the program is to help foster and sustain community sports groups. The first and largest database of groups from all regions has been established, allowing people to find out what options are available, which is hoped to grow further. Groups that were traditionally hard to track down are now readily available, thanks to the MP. To discover other enthusiasts of a particular sport, simply search the hashtag: مجتمع_صحي_رياضي# The MP offers support to new groups and provides them with assistance to get started, conduct activities and increase membership.
PNU, THE ACTIVITY HUB FOR WOMEN Acknowledging that women in Saudi Arabia are eager to get more active, the MP is working on a program at
Princess Nourah University (PNU) that will see various facilities activated in the university. PNU and the General Sports Authority signed a memorandum of understanding to ensure the support of women’s participation in physical activity. Female gyms, outdoor facilities and sports events are all part of the partnership to provide an example for leading an active lifestyle for women.
EVENTS In a short amount of time, the MP has already managed to shake up the social scene of Saudi Arabia and inspire people to pursue healthier activities. The recently concluded Spartan Races in Riyadh and Jeddah are just a sample of what’s in store, with more to come in 2017.
If you have something to share about community sports groups, contact: MP@gsa.gov.sa
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