Saudi Arabia celebrated a historic moment as the fourth Fun Race for women unfolded at Hala Fitness. For the first time, para-athletes, individuals with disabilities or impairments, participated in this exhilarating event, adding a new dimension to this already thrilling competition.

The Fun Race rowing event is a multi-faceted sporting spectacle, comprising three challenging competitions: the individual heat, the four-person team relay, and the para-heat. Each segment tests the participants’ mettle and teamwork in unique ways.

In the individual heats, participants pushed their limits by rowing a grueling 1000 meters, vying for the coveted title of the fastest rower. It’s a test of sheer endurance and speed, where every stroke counts.

The four-person team relays introduced an exciting dynamic. Each team member had to row 250 meters, twice, making it a total team length of 2000 meters. Teamwork is the name of the game here, as groups strove to row seamlessly and swap members swiftly to secure the fastest time.

This year’s Fun Race marked a remarkable milestone by proudly hosting nine para-athletes who rowed 500 meters on adapted rowing machines. These specially designed rowers made the event accessible for participants with disabilities or impairments, underlining the commitment to inclusivity. The Liajlehum Association for People with Disabilities played a pivotal role in making this inclusive event possible

Empowering women in sports is a key mission of the Women’s Committee of the Saudi Rowing Federation, formed on January 20, 2023. Chaired by HRH Princess Sara bint Bandar Al Saud, the committee’s vision is to uplift female athletes and raise awareness about rowing as a sport. The committee boasts a dedicated team, including Deputy Chair Ms. Shereen Abu AlHassan, and members Engineer Rana AlSheikh, Dr. Manal AlMakoshi, Ms. Iman Alamdar, Dr. Shurug AlKhalifa, and Ms. Munirah AlDhamadi.

The  Fun Race, which took place on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2023, marked the beginning of a series of rowing competitions across different female gyms in Saudi Arabia. These Fun Races aim to inspire and empower girls and women to explore their strengths and abilities through the sport of rowing

For those eager to join the excitement of future Fun Races and stay updated on the latest from the Saudi Rowing Federation, follow them on social media via @SaudiRowing. Additionally, for more information on upcoming events hosted by the Women’s Committee and the Saudi Rowing Federation, visit SaudiRowing.sa. Saudi Arabia’s women are breaking barriers and making waves in the world of sports, and the Fun Race is just the beginning of this incredible journey