Latest news with #SaudiBocciaFederation
Arab News
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Zain sponsorship of boccia event empowers the disabled
Digital and telecommunications services provider Zain KSA has announced its sponsorship of the 2025 Boccia Championship, aligning the move with its corporate sustainability strategy and commitment to empowering all segments of society. Organized by the Saudi Boccia Federation, the championship will be held from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Olympic Complex in Riyadh. The sponsorship underscores Zain KSA's commitment to supporting persons with disabilities, particularly quadriplegic athletes whose determination and competitive spirit inspire the wider community. The company views inclusion as a foundation for excellence and sustainable progress, believing that empowering persons with disabilities strengthens society as a whole. As digital sponsor, Zain KSA will highlight sport as a symbol of hope and resilience. The initiative reflects the company's approach of pairing digital innovation with social responsibility, in line with its mission to build a better future and advance Saudi Vision 2030's goal of a vibrant, inclusive society where all individuals have access to equitable opportunities to achieve their ambitions. Eman Abdullah Al-Saidi, vice president of corporate communications at Zain KSA, said: 'We believe that true innovation is only complete when it really touches people's lives. Through our digital ecosystem, we hope to inspire a wonderful world that empowers every individual to unlock their potential, leaving no one behind. Our sponsorship of the Boccia Championship reflects our deep commitment to empowering people with disabilities. 'Beyond our social responsibility agenda, this is part of our strategic vision for a more inclusive digital world. These champions inspire us with their stories and embody the spirit of determination that we hope to mirror in every initiative we launch. With this sponsorship, we reaffirm our commitment to helping build a vibrant society where everyone can thrive and ambitions are embraced, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.' The sponsorship builds on the company's wide-ranging social responsibility programs, which have delivered measurable results. Zain KSA received the Gold Award from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development at the inaugural CSR Award in recognition of its impactful sustainability and social responsibility initiatives. The accolade underscores the company's strategy of empowering the Saudi community and advancing national, humanitarian, and social development efforts within a responsible business framework.
Arab News
11-02-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Saudi paralympic ball game helping empower people with disabilities
RIYADH: The sport of boccia is helping to empower people living with severe physical disabilities across the Kingdom, the head of its governing body said. The precision ball game, which is related to bowls and petanque, was introduced into the Paralympic Games in 1984 and has since rocketed in popularity. Mohsen Al-Ismail, president of the Saudi Boccia Federation, said his organization was committed to promoting the sport throughout the Kingdom and helping nurture talent, the Saudi Press Agency reported. When the game was introduced to the Paralympics it was designed to be played by people with cerebral palsy but now includes athletes with other disabilities affecting motor skills. • Mohsen Al-Ismail, president of the Saudi Boccia Federation, said his organization was committed to promoting the sport throughout the Kingdom and helping nurture talent. • In 1984, the sport attracted just 19 athletes from five countries. In 2024, there were 116 players from 75 countries. In 1984, the sport attracted just 19 athletes from five countries. In 2024, there were 116 players from 75 countries. Al-Ismail said the sport helped individuals with cerebral palsy, particularly those with nerve issues, by improving balance, stimulating blood circulation, strengthening muscles and supporting motor rehabilitation. Boccia uses six leather balls per side and can be played by individuals, pairs, or teams of three. The aim is for players to throw their balls as close as they can to a white target ball, or jack. The game dates back to ancient Greece and Egypt and its name is derived from the Latin word for 'boss.'
