RIYADH: The Saudi Sports for All Federation is bringing back its successful Night Walk initiative, that is expected to attract over 5,000 participants in three cities across the Kingdom.
The event is set to start in Abha City on Sept. 16, 2022, at the Art Street area, and then move to the Corniche of Al-Khobar City on Sept. 30. It will conclude in Jeddah on Oct. 13 at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.
“The Night Walk event is one of the most popular walking events globally, whereby people from all age ranges come together to socialize and enjoy the company of their families and friends. We are excited to be hosting this event across multiple areas in the Kingdom, and we are very eagerly looking forward to seeing as many participants as we can,” said Shaima Saleh Al-Husseini, managing director of the Saudi Sports for All Federation.
“We want everyone to join, even if they are not usually physically active. The event caters to people of all ages and abilities, which is in line with our strategy to provide activities that are inclusive to all members of society,” she added.
Participants are expected to walk 2-kilometer to 4-kilometer courses at night with illuminated elements to guide their way. People who wish to take part have to sign up using the SFA’s application form before the day of the walk.
The Night Walk events will host festival areas where people can enjoy food, music, and sporting activities. The SFA previously hosted the event in May and October of 2017 in Riyadh, which saw thousands take part.
The SFA’s mission is to encourage people to establish healthy habits. Supported by the Ministry of Sport, the SFA is mandated by Vision 2030’s Quality of Life Program to increase the ratio of people in the Kingdom exercising at least once a week to 40 percent by 2030.
Research from the General Authority for Statistics shows that 48.2 percent of people across the country now participate in physical and sporting activities at least 30 minutes a week, demonstrating significant progress in creating a healthier society.