CONMEBOL eases Copa America warm-up rules after Brazil's complaints
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Leejam, SURJ sign MoU to elevate Saudi sports
Leejam Sports Company, a network of sports and fitness centers in Saudi Arabia and a publicly listed company, and SURJ Sports Investment, a sports investment company in the Kingdom, have announced the signing of an MoU to accelerate growth and innovation across the Kingdom's dynamic sports ecosystem, particularly in fitness and community engagement. Signed by Abdulelah Al-Nemr, CEO of Leejam Sports Company, and Danny Townsend, CEO of SURJ Sports Investment, the agreement reflects a shared ambition to elevate sports participation, scale innovation, expand access to world-class fitness experiences, and activate new models of community engagement and wellness innovation — in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals to build a more active, inclusive, and healthier society. Partnering with SURJ aligns with our strategic vision to foster active lifestyles, deliver value for shareholders, and contribute to KSA's socioeconomic goals, says Abdulelah Al-Nemr, Board Member and CEO, Leejam Sports Company The agreement outlines a broad framework for collaboration across six key areas: stadia and fitness facility operations, co-investment in sports properties, sponsorship and brand engagement, community activation and mass participation, data and technology integration, and co-creation of content and media production. Abdulelah Al-Nemr, board member and CEO of Leejam Sports Company, said: 'This MoU marks a pivotal step in Leejam's journey to further solidify our role as a catalyst for Saudi Arabia's wellness transformation. Partnering with SURJ aligns with our strategic vision to foster active lifestyles, deliver value for shareholders, and contribute meaningfully to the Kingdom's socioeconomic goals. We look forward to harnessing our national footprint and digital platforms to scale this collaboration across communities and sports disciplines.' Danny Townsend, CEO of SURJ Sports Investment, said: 'Leejam's scale and expertise in fitness and wellness make them a natural partner as we continue to grow Saudi Arabia's sports ecosystem. This MoU reflects our shared commitment to participation, performance, and innovation, and to unlocking opportunities that go beyond traditional investment models. From stadiums to digital assets, and from community challenges to elite content, we're excited to explore how we can bring the power of sport closer to more people across the country.' As Saudi Arabia's largest and trusted network of fitness centers, operating under the 'Fitness Time' brand, Leejam brings unparalleled market reach and operational capabilities. Through this partnership, Leejam will assess opportunities to operate or support fitness and wellness zones within SURJ-backed facilities, and to activate programming aligned with SURJ's investments in major sports events and leagues. The MoU also covers exploratory co-investment models in sports IP, as well as leveraging Leejam's national footprint to scale SURJ-led activations and co-host fitness activations that promote grassroots participation in sports. Additional areas of focus in the MoU include sponsorship engagement opportunities, ranging from access to Leejam facilities and athlete visibility within gym environments to joint sports promotion campaigns and sponsorship for SURJ-owned IP. A core pillar of the partnership includes data and technology collaboration, enabling both entities to share insights on performance metrics, gym technologies, and digital engagement tools, as well as co-development of short-form and live fitness content across platforms. This announcement comes at a time of rapid progress for Saudi Arabia's sports sector. Nearly 50 percent of Saudis are now engaged in weekly physical activity, up from just 13 percent in 2015, while the number of multi-sport clubs has surged from nine to 126, and sports federations have tripled to reach 98. Women's participation in sport in Saudi Arabia has seen extraordinary growth, with a 149 percent increase since 2015 and more than 330,000 registered female athletes today.
Arab News
21 hours ago
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McIntosh eases into 400 medley final, Marchand almost misses out
Summer McIntosh is on track to finish the world championships with a fourth gold medal after being fastest in the 400 meters individual medley heats while Leon Marchand nearly missed the men's final on the eighth and final day in Singapore on Sunday. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport
Arab News
a day ago
- Arab News
Brazil beat Colombia in shootout in Women's Copa America final thriller
QUITO: Brazil successfully defended their Women's Copa America crown by defeating Colombia 5-4 in a shootout on Saturday to claim their ninth continental title after a roller-coaster final in Quito ended 4-4. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The decider at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado saw Colombia take the lead three times, only for Brazil to respond on each occasion. Brazil great Marta forced extra time with a late equalizer and the veteran struck again in the 105th minute to seemingly seal victory. But a resilient Colombia found yet another equalizer to send the encounter to penalties, where Brazil's experience ultimately prevailed. 'I think women's soccer has been growing a lot. I think the trend is for it to be more competitive. Everyone here deserved a match like this. Congratulations to Colombia too,' Brazil's Amanda Gutierres said. 'This means a lot. I think it's Brazil's job. It's that mentality of never giving up. That's a source of pride for Brazil. I think it means a lot to Brazilians.' Both teams created early chances but the breakthrough came in the 25th minute when Colombia's Linda Caicedo capped off a tidy passing move with a composed low finish from close range. Brazil got the equalizer in the dying moments of the first half when Angelina stepped up to calmly convert a penalty after VAR confirmed a foul by Jorelyn Carabali on Gio Garbelini. Colombia regained the lead in the 69th minute via a Brazil own goal, defender Tarciane attempting a routine back pass to goalkeeper Lorena but unaware that she had already charged off her line to collect the ball. Gutierres equalized for Brazil again 10 minutes from time with her sixth goal in the tournament, a fierce strike off Garbelini's pass, but striker Mayra Ramirez restored Colombia's lead by netting after a quick counter-attack eight minutes later. 'Las Cafeteras' were within touching distance of their first continental title until Marta, introduced as a late substitute, delivered a moment of magic with a stunning equalizer six minutes into stoppage time, forcing the game into extra time. Marta struck again in the 105th minute when she tapped in a fine cross from Angelina but Colombia turned things around again as Leicy Santos' brilliant free kick sailed into the top corner in the 115th minute. The penalty shootout mirrored the drama of the match, with Colombia taking the early advantage after Angelina's miss. However, when Manuela Pavi failed to convert and goalkeeper Lorena saved Leicy Santos' effort Brazil held the advantage. Marta had the chance to seal victory but Katherine Tapia's save sent the shootout to sudden death, where Carabali's miss finally handed Brazil their ninth continental title.
