Special Olympics Saudi Arabia concluded the 2026 National Swimming and Powerlifting Competitions on Saturday, September 12, following two days of competition held on September 11–12 at Mahd Sports Academy – Prince Faisal bin Fahd Olympic Complex in Riyadh.
The event brought together 70 male and female athletes representing 13 clubs from across the Kingdom.
Athletes competed in swimming and powerlifting following the divisioning process implemented in accordance with the Special Olympics system, which enables athletes to compete against others of similar ability and performance levels.
Swimming events included the 25-meter freestyle, 50-meter freestyle, 25-meter backstroke and 100-meter freestyle. Powerlifting events included the squat, bench press and deadlift.
Talal Al-Humaidan, Official Spokesperson for Special Olympics Saudi Arabia, said the national competitions represent a key component of the organization’s sports program, providing athletes with regular opportunities for training and competition while supporting the ongoing development of their technical skills and physical performance across different sports.
Al-Humaidan added that the continued organization of national competitions helps athletes build competitive experience and enhance their sporting readiness as part of a pathway that extends from local participation to regional and international competitions.
The event also featured medical screenings as part of the Healthy Athletes program, led by certified Clinical Directors across four health disciplines: Strong Minds, led by specialist Malak Alhazmi; Health Promotion, led by specialists Ali Alfarhan and Amal Alsabiq; O
