Jeddah Forum Urges Schools, Universities, Sports Ties

A sports forum held in Jeddah at the University of Business and Technology gathered more than 350 participants to explore how schools, universities, sports organizations, and media can work together more closely to develop young Saudi athletes.

Former national team figure Ahmed Eid called for families, schools, universities, and the wider community to cooperate on identifying and nurturing talent from an early age. Hussain Abdulghani urged stronger coordination between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Sport, with greater use of schools and universities to spot and develop athletes.

Osama Hawsawi stressed that athlete development should be comprehensive, covering technical, physical, and mental preparation. The Saudi Universities Sports Federation highlighted that participation should include students of all ability levels, not only elite competitors.

Why it matters

Speakers pointed to existing initiatives with the Ministry of Education that promote sports awareness and participation in schools. There were also recommendations to expand university sports medicine programs to support injury prevention, recovery, nutrition, sleep, and the overall health of student-athletes.

For families across the Kingdom, the discussion reflects a growing focus on building pathways that connect classrooms and campuses with the sports sector, giving more young people the chance to take part in organized sport and, for those with potential, a clearer route toward professional development.

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