Saleh Fareed

Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — The Sports & Fitness Asia 2013 exhibition is scheduled to kick off at Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Center Tuesday night.



Spread over seven days, the first-ever Saudi sports event is expected to attract more than 18,000 sport enthusiasts to the show floor, according to organizers.



The exhibition, which will be inaugurated by Prince Nawaf Bin Faisal Bin Fahd, General President of Youth Welfare, also includes workshops, sports competitions, cultural activities, photo gallery, and an honoring event of prominent sports figures in the Kingdom.



Speaking at a press conference Monday, Nasser Al-Qushayri, chairman of the exhibition’s organizing committee, said the show is expected to attract some of the biggest names in sport.



He noted that the exhibition represents an ideal opportunity for top sports personalities, coaches, officials and athletes to learn about the successful experiences in football and other sports.



“It is going to be the biggest sports gather and is an ideal platform to learn, exchange ideas and showcase the progress made in sports here in Saudi Arabia,” he said.



A large number of official bodies, associations, sporting associations, officials of the Ministry of Education, football association for people with special needs, sports media, specialized sports channels, football academies, private sports stores, international sports brands and fitness clubs, sports construction companies, insurance companies, medical clinics and specialized sports companies will take part in the gala.



With the support of the General Presidency of Youth Welfare and Saudi Football Federation, the event also brings together main Saudi sport actors and features a series of sporting activities and interactive shows. The exhibition will include a number of shows and activities that will contribute to the promotion of a sports culture within the local community. A number of specialized sports workshops will also showcase speakers who will discuss the future development of sports in the Kingdom.