The interim capital, Aden, witnessed the launch of the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen Volleyball Championship for teams from the liberated governorates. The tournament, held from the 12th to the 16th of Ramadan, is generously sponsored by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Naif Saleh Al-Bakri, and the Minister of State and Governor of Aden, Ahmed Hamed Lamlas (represented by Abdulrahman Sheikh). It is supported directly by the Saudi Program, overseen by the Ministry's Sports Sector, and organized by the Yemeni General Volleyball Federation.
Competition details and participating teams
The Ali Asaad Muthanna Indoor Sports Hall is hosting the tournament, which features fierce competition between five teams representing the governorates of Aden, Taiz, Abyan, Lahj, and Al Dhale'a. Each team consists of 17 members, including players, administrators, and technical staff. The number of direct beneficiaries of this sporting event is estimated at over 250 people, including athletes, organizing committee members, and media personnel, reflecting the significant sporting activity the tournament is generating among young people.
The importance of the championship in promoting social stability
The importance of this tournament extends beyond mere competition, encompassing significant social and developmental dimensions. Holding such major sporting events in Aden contributes to normalizing public life and strengthening stability, while providing a safe space for Yemeni youth to channel their energies and showcase their talents. Sport is one of the most important tools for human development, a focus of the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen , which believes that human development goes hand in hand with infrastructure development, and that empowering youth through sports contributes to their protection and guides them towards a better future.
The Saudi program's efforts in developing sports infrastructure
This tournament is the culmination of the Saudi Program's ongoing efforts in the Yemeni sports sector. The program has not only provided sponsorship and operation but has also worked to rehabilitate infrastructure. Previously, the program renovated the Ali Asaad Muthanna Hall , which is currently hosting the tournament, after years of disuse, revitalizing indoor sports. The program has also implemented several high-quality projects, including the construction of stadiums meeting FIFA international standards, such as those at Al-Jazira, Al-Rawda, and Al-Minaa clubs in Aden, in addition to building more than 30 sports fields in model schools across various governorates.
A proven track record of sports initiatives
This event adds to a series of successful tournaments sponsored by the program, including the Marib Football Championship with 14 participating clubs and the Hadramawt Basketball Championship with 17 participating clubs. These ongoing initiatives underscore the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to supporting the youth and sports sectors in Yemen, within a comprehensive strategy aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. It is worth noting that the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen has so far delivered more than 268 development projects and initiatives covering eight vital sectors: education, health, water, energy, transportation, agriculture and fisheries, and building the capacity of government institutions.
