Saudi British sporting agreement confirms record events schedule for 2002

The officials attending the 11th Joint Higher Committee meeting held in Riyadh recently also reviewed the success of the past year's activities. The MoU was signed by the two countries in 1987. Jointly coordinated by the British government and the General Presidency and supported by BAE SYSTEMS, the aim of the programme is to encourage cooperation and cultural understanding between the young sportsmen and coaching bodies of the two countries.

Following the joint meetings, the British delegation, headed by Lord Denman - Chairman of the Saudi British Society - met with officials from the General Presidency, including HRH Prince Sultan bin Fahad, President, and HRH Prince Nawaf bin Faisal, Vice President, who confirmed that this was the most active of inter-country sporting memorandums. 'Last year was a tremendous success with a record 46 activities taking place - benefiting more than 500 sportsmen, schoolchildren, coaches and officials,' commented Peter Waddell, who administers the MoU on behalf of BAE SYSTEMS. 'Next year's schedule is extremely encouraging and promises even further top-level cooperation between the young people of our countries.'

The overall programme is wide ranging and the variety of events that took place over last year included international basketball and volleyball matches, bicycle races, coaching workshops, and special training camps on fencing, table tennis and gymnastics. There was also a youth cultural visit and a media trip to the UK - and MSc degree courses on sports medicine, physiotherapy and nutrition from some of the UK's leading sports medical professionals. A range of activities for sportsmen and young people with special needs was also organised.

'We reviewed the success of these activities during the meeting and have expanded the programme even further over the coming year enabling young Saudi and British sportsmen to take part in 50 different events across 22 sporting disciplines and activities' he added.

'By bringing together the young people of the two countries, the MOU means much more than just a government to government agreement. The development of the programme over time has ensured that the younger generations achieve greater cross-cultural understanding, that many sportsmen from both countries have started to receive international competitive experience and training - and that the UK is fundamentally involved in the Kingdom's Saudisation drive' he added.