Special Olympics Saudi Arabia has launched its National Basketball and Volleyball Competitions in Jeddah, taking place from 12–13 June 2026.
The competitions bring together 142 athletes representing 11 clubs from disability sports clubs and Special Olympics clubs across the Kingdom, with the support of 72 volunteers from health and organizational teams.
Participating clubs include Jeddah, Aseer, Al Jouf, Al Qassim, Al Madinah, Taif, and Tabuk disability clubs, alongside Special Olympics clubs Gazelles of the Desert, Maharat Al Tafawuq, Team Up, and Efaa Club.
The opening ceremony was attended by several members of the Board of Directors and featured a number of accompanying activities reflecting the enthusiasm and spirit of the athletes, before the start of divisioning rounds to determine competition groups.
The first day of the competitions also featured health screenings as part of the Healthy Athletes® program, led by certified Clinical Directors. The screenings included Special Smiles® led by Dr. Homam Baahmam, Opening Eyes® led by Dr. Hani Al-Ruhaili, FUNfitness® led by Ms. Hala Wazaqar, and Healthy Hearing® led by Mr. Razan Omairah. The program aims to promote athletes’ health and improve their overall quality of life.
The opening day also included a Family Forum organized in collaboration with Team Up Special Olympics Club, aimed at raising health awareness among athletes’ families and strengthening their role in supporting their children.
Competitions will continue in a competitive and inspiring atmosphere among participating clubs, alongside ongoing Healthy Athletes screenings and accompanying activities. The event will conclude on Saturday with the announcement of results and the awarding of participating clubs across the various competitions.
