Special Olympics Saudi Arabia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Golden Horse Chess Academy on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, during a signing ceremony held at the headquarters of Special Olympics Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. The MoU aims to develop adaptive chess programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, while expanding opportunities for participation in chess as a locally popular sport that supports empowerment and social inclusion.
The MoU was signed on behalf of Special Olympics Saudi Arabia by Mr. Talal Alhumaidan, Communications and Partnerships Manager, while Mr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al-Aqeel, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Golden Horse Chess Academy, signed on behalf of the Academy.
The partnership seeks to establish a strategic framework for developing adaptive chess programs through the implementation of joint initiatives and programs, the training of coaches and technical personnel, and the organization of related activities and competitions. The collaboration aims to enhance the cognitive and social skills of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities while encouraging their active participation in an inclusive and supportive sporting environment, recognizing the role of sport in developing abilities, building self-confidence, and strengthening social interaction.
Commenting on the agreement, Mr. Talal Alhumaidan, Communications and Partnerships Manager at Special Olympics Saudi Arabia, stated that the MoU represents an important step toward advancing chess as one of the organization’s locally popular sports, providing broader opportunities for athletes to participate and develop. He added that the partnership reflects Special Olympics Saudi Arabia’s commitment to diversifying its sports programs and delivering high-quality initiatives that strengthen athletes’ cognitive and social skills while promoting their active engagement within the community.
“At Special Olympics Saudi Arabia, we believe that sport is a powerful tool for empowerment. Through this partnership, we aim to create greater opportunities for our athletes to benefit from the game of chess and its positive impact on their personal development,” he said.
This MoU is part of Special Olympics Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to expand partnerships with organizations across different sectors, launch impactful sports initiatives that empower athletes, promote a culture of inclusion, enhance quality of life, and contribute to building a healthier and more inclusive society through sport, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
