SFA hosts fourth edition of SFA SandClash in Riyadh with more than 800 athletes from 45-plus countries
The Saudi Sports for All Federation concluded its fourth edition SandClash, which was held at The Arena Exhibition and Convention Center in Riyadh, for two days during this weekend, with the participation of more than 800 athletes from 40 different countries around the world. With close guidance of the Ministry of Sports, and the support of the Quality of Life program, SandClash is the Kingdom’s first and only official licensed CrossFit competition.
The largest fitness event in Saudi Arabia, it serves as an avenue to bring all of the Kingdom’s sports federations and gyms together, inspiring the community and spotlighting the importance of physical activities.
With 3,000-plus participants attending since it launched in 2018, SandClash has become one of the most popular fitness events in the region. Participants from across the Kingdom and beyond take part in a lively, two-day fitness competition filled with excitement and outdoor physical activities. In addition, more than 1,000 competitors participated in advanced qualifying exercises in Cross Fit, in order to choose the best to advance to the final stage.
Participants also attended a selection of workshops, classes, and seminars, with a diverse slate of entertainment available for people to enjoy. Designed to challenge athletes, celebrate the Kingdom’s fitness community, and promote an active and healthy lifestyle, the event is in keeping with SFA’s work to raise physical activity levels in the country and empower people to lead healthy, active lives.
Over the years, SandClash has helped to create greater awareness of local sports federations, sports clubs, local gyms, and fitness centers. Shining a light on the Kingdom’s sports and recreation sectors, this year’s event called attention to the great strides that have been made in setting Saudi Arabia as a global sports hub.
Joining in the fun and competitive spirit of the event, the SFA team — led by SFA President, HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, took part in the two-day event. “For the first time, SandClash sees the adaptive category with 18 participants. The SFA strives to make the highest quality sporting opportunities available to all ages and all abilities; having our sisters and brothers in Saudi compete with as adaptive athletes inspired us all, and brought us even closer to Vision 2030; a healthy and active country for us all,” said Prince Khaled. “SandClash has proven to be a great success over the years, contributing to the transformation of Saudi sports culture. This weekend’s event has energy off the charts! I was proud to take part with my colleagues from the SFA, and I had a great time competing with the women and men of the fitness community.”
Calling attention to the Kingdom’s rich and rapidly growing sports culture, the event also underlined the importance female empowerment and supporting women’s athletics in the Kingdom. The event also showcased SFA’s efforts to develop world-class Saudi athletes, with the Federation fully committed to helping them grow and compete at the highest level.
Not only this but in celebration of SandClash participants’ achievements, cash prizes of up to SR240,000 have been allocated to the winning contestants.
Aligned with the Vision 2030 and Quality of Life Program goals, SandClash emphasizes SFA’s dedication to raising physical activity levels in the Kingdom.
