Riyadh launches its vision for a transformative 2030 Asian Games

Riyadh has formally launched its candidature to host the 2030 Asian Games.

Launched by HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Alfaisal Al-Saud, Chair of Riyadh 2030 and President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee (SAOC), the bid promises a new model for the Asian Games in a new era for the Kingdom – ultra-modern yet steeped in history, ambitious but realistic, visually stunning but environmentally-conscious. It would deliver a vibrant, world-class Games experience, whilst also being a driving force in the transformation of the city and Saudi society.

The official Bid Book was electronically submitted to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in line with the bid’s vision for a sustainable Games.

The bid has Asia’s athletes at heart and would enable them to excel on a spectacular, modern and sustainable stage. The compact hosting plan is based on world-class venues and facilities, well-connected by an extensive, state-of-the-art, transportation system. Environmentally-conscious, with sustainability and financial responsibility embedded throughout, the plan maximizes existing venues alongside temporary and purpose-built arenas, all in front of visually-stunning, iconic backdrops.

The bid’s logo represents Riyadh’s goal of inspiring new dreams, reaching new horizons and setting new standards for what it means to host the Asian Games. It symbolizes the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in transformation, with the OCA and the Asian Games at the heart of this process.

The campaign’s slogan ‘Transforming the Future’ reflects the transformative effect Riyadh 2030 would have on the Asian Olympic Movement, inspiring athletes across the region, spreading sporting values and connecting with new audiences; as well as the sporting, social and cultural impact the Games would have in Saudi Arabia.

As part of the launch, the bid’s official website riyadh2030.sa, which will provide the latest information about Riyadh’s campaign, was also unveiled.

If successful, the 2030 Asian Games would be the first to be hosted in Saudi Arabia. Delivered in partnership with the OCA and Asia’s National Olympic Committees (NOCs), it would be an inspiring celebration of sport and Olympic values that would leave an enduring legacy across Asia’s sporting landscape and throughout Asian society. The bid would also be a driving force for sporting, cultural and societal transformation in Saudi Arabia, complementing the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 for a new, vibrant and diverse society.

Riyadh 2030 Bid Committee Chair and SAOC President, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Alfaisal Al-Saud, said: “Hosting the 2030 Asian Games would be an enormous honour and an opportunity to inspire a new generation of athletes throughout Asia, unifying the region in a celebration of sport. Delivered in partnership with the OCA and NOCs from across Asia, a Riyadh 2030 Asian Games would reach the largest audience ever, engaging and inspiring new Olympic devotees and stimulating fresh interest in sport across the region and beyond.

“We are passionate about hosting our first ever Asian Games. It is a national priority, with total, focused and unwavering political and public support. It is the number one objective of the Saudi sports movement and the dream of our entire nation. Riyadh is a city of avid sports fans who love to attend events and fill stadia and, if we are lucky enough to host the Asian Games, we promise an unforgettable, festival atmosphere for fans and athletes.

“Alongside this, and in line with our Saudi Vision 2030, it would be a golden opportunity to drive long-lasting sporting, societal and cultural change and transform the future.”

HRH Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, IOC Member, SAOC EB Member, and Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the US, said: “Riyadh 2030 would be a modern, vibrant, diverse event in a truly unique and welcoming atmosphere. It would also be environmentally-conscious, sustainable and financially responsible, maximising existing venues, alongside purpose-built arenas, with state-of-the-art facilities.

“As a woman, I also know the opportunity that this bid represents for the future of generations of young girls. Since 2010, the numbers of female participants have grown across a wide range of sports. Today, 80% of the country’s federations include female members. It is important that over the next 10 years, we continue this progress, with more female athletes and opportunities for women to participate economically in our growing sports ecosystem. Imagine the impact of the Asian Games in driving forward this transformation.”

Dalma Malhas, Saudi Equestrian athlete who won Bronze at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games, said:

“The Asian Games is a festival of sport for all of Asia to enjoy, providing the finest athletes from across the continent with a platform to shine. Athletes’ needs are at the heart of Riyadh 2030’s bid with spectacular, state-of-the-art venues and facilities, designed to ensure they have an incredible experience and can perform at their very best.

“I won bronze at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games and my greatest hope is to compete in Riyadh at the Asian Games in front of thousands of passionate fans.

“That medal changed my life but its impact was much greater. It opened minds and opened opportunities for thousands of women and girls. And, as time goes by, those thousands will inspire millions more young people. If that’s the impact of a single medal, imagine the impact of a first-ever Asian Games in Saudi Arabia.”

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