The MoU creates a framework to activate District spaces for community sports initiatives
The Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) represented by its President HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, and King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) represented by CEO Mr. Gautam Sashittal have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create a framework of cooperation that promotes active and healthy lifestyles in the District. The MoU was signed in a ceremony that took place at the Conference Center in KAFD on Wednesday, June 16th, 2021. The signing ceremony was also attended by dignitaries and decision makers from both entities.
Under the agreement, the SFA and KAFD will work together to create a healthy community in an unmatched environment for residents and visitors by designing a program of initiatives focused on health and wellness. Simultaneously, an action plan will be carried through to benefit from KAFD’s facilities to host workshops, activations, and community sports activities.
“Our agreement with KAFD is an important new milestone in our journey to create a health-first mindset in Saudi Arabia and ensure that physical activity is attractive and accessible for all our communities. We are looking forward to working collaboratively with KAFD to find ways of turning the District into a hub for sports and physical activity, while creating a grassroots culture of corporate and residential well-being. The District is forward-looking in its purpose and design, and we are excited about exploring new ways of engaging and enriching our communities together,” said HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, SFA President.
The MoU adds momentum to SFA’s collaborative approach towards community health and physical activity. It builds on the Federation’s existing work with local and national entities such as the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing and the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) to achieve its goal of a healthier, more active Saudi Arabia. As part of its support for the Quality of Life Program, the SFA in early 2021 launched its Start Now campaign — calling people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to engage in physical activity. It also recently launched a T20 cricket tournament and the Ehsan Steps Challenge in partnership with SDAIA, encouraging people to step forward for charity. The SFA is also actively working with local authorities across the Kingdom to activate public spaces and parks to host community-oriented sporting activities.
“As an extension to the strategic goals of Vision 2030, lifestyle and livability are two main elements that elevate the quality of life. These two elements are extremely crucial in creating a vibrant society with a healthy and an active lifestyle. KAFD embodies these elements and that is clearly manifested by the advanced infrastructure and urban planning when it comes to livability. Moreover, when it comes to lifestyle, KAFD is designed with people in mind, and it encourages walkability and being physically active. Therefore, we are pleased to partner with the Saudi Sports for All Federation to explore ways in which we can foster a new culture focused on health, and green living. We’re looking forward to working collaboratively to turn the KAFD into a hub of new ideas and initiatives to promote a healthy lifestyle. The size, scope and ambition of KAFD adds strategic significance to the agreement and boosts the role of KAFD as a center for sustainability in the region, hence its advanced infrastructure, smart urban planning, and human centered approach” said Mr. Gautam Sashittal, KAFD CEO.
KAFD is the largest mixed-use financial District to receive a LEED Platinum certification for Neighborhood Development. The district is Riyadh’s first mega mixed-use development spread across 1.6 million SQMs in land area with 83 towers designed by 22 world renowned architects to provide a sustainable and dynamic environment.
