Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Above 15 years of age individuals practicing physical activities in the Kingdom for 150 minutes per week are only 14.89 percent, of which 11.24 percent are Saudis. Data issued by the General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) showed that 59.04 percent of people who practice physical activities do it in public places while 15.11 percent go to gyms, 14.75 percent do at their homes, 8.28 percent go to sports clubs while only 1.6 percent play sports at universities and schools.

About 50.47 percent of the surveyed people stated that they do not want to practice physical activities by choice, 32.11 said they do not find time to play sports while 14.65 stated there are no suitable sports areas for them in their neighborhoods.

Revealing this data is expected to help issue number of studies and development plans in different domains especially the sports sector to meet the demands of Saudi Vision 2030. The survey took into consideration international standards and the needs of General Sports Authority, said the GaStat statement. The Saudi Vision 2030 aims to increase the ratio of individuals exercising at least once a week to reach 40 percent.

Commenting on these numbers, Nisreen Al-Ghamdi a teacher at a public school, noted that many schools are still functioning in rented buildings and are not equipped to practice some sports. She added that they hope sports would be taken seriously in schools as it enhances self-confidence in girls and prepares the society to allow their girls to practice sports outside schools as well.

Areej Nagro a trainer at a female gym, however, said many females are now joining gyms not just because they want to be in perfect shape but also because they want to be healthy. Asked about the charges at the gym, she said men gyms are less expensive. She noted that with more competition the charges are expected to drop. “What one needs is just commitment to be able to do sports at home, outdoor or in a gym.”