The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) and the Saudi Triathlon Federation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to accelerate the growth of triathlon in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The agreement builds on SURJ Sports Investment’s backing of the PTO and aims to establish triathlon as part of Saudi Arabia’s sporting identity through events, athlete development and community engagement.
The MOU is built on five pillars:
- Events – Hosting international triathlon events in Saudi Arabia, including the T100 Triathlon World Tour, is central to the initiative, as is expanding into other world-level events through the PTO’s commercial partnership with World Triathlon.
- Content + marketing – A content + marketing plan to increase the visibility of the sport across the Kingdom, to include the securing of a domestic broadcast partner for triathlon in the region.
- Sporting development – To accelerate the development of Saudi national triathletes and providing them with exposure to international professionals competing in the Kingdom.
- Social development – To inspire both physical and mental wellness in the Kingdom’s population through the sport of triathlon and its component sports: swimming, cycling and running.
- Industry development – Support for the development of local capabilities, from officials to event-delivery volunteers.
Building on investment
The partnership follows an investment by the Saudi Arabia-backed sports fund SURJ Sports Investment in the PTO in July. “Our vision is to see triathlon become part of the Kingdom’s sporting identity – from grassroots to the world stage,” said Mishaal Al-Sulamain, President of the Saudi Triathlon Federation.
