Speakers
Description
To enhance healthy habits in the new generation of Saudi Arabians, in the past decades Saudi authorities have been planning different policies aimed to increase levels of participation in physical activity and sports by the country’s youth. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges and possibilities for young Saudis’ participation in these domains. The research employed a mixed-method approach consisting, on the one hand, of an online survey targeting young Saudis (aged 12 to 17) to look at the prevalence, frequency, and types of physical activities practiced by them. To complement the survey, we undertook a series of in-depth semi-structured interviews with key actors in the promotion of physical activity and sport in Saudi Arabia, such as government officers and educational leaders. In those interviews, we were able to elaborate a thick understanding of their perceptions of the relationship between Saudi youth and physical activity and sports practice. The initial findings suggest that research participants - both Saudi youth and interviewed leaders - have noticed an enormous growth in the offer of possibilities for practicing sports and physical activity in recent years in the country. However, the level of engagement with sports and physical activities is still perceived as non-ideal.
