JEDDAH: As anticipation builds for the AFC Champions League Elite final in Jeddah this Saturday, the official tournament trophy made a special tour across NEOM this week.
NEOM, a tournament partner for the last eight matches including the final, showcased the trophy at several iconic locations across its vast 26,500-square-kilometer development.
The tour included stops at Trojena’s snow-covered slopes, the shores of the Adventure Sports Hub, and through the scenic NEOM Nature Region.
The journey was led by Mohammed Al-Burayk, ambassador for NEOM Sports Club, and highlighted NEOM’s growing emphasis on a diverse sports culture, featuring everything from football and skiing to kitesurfing.
“Hosting the trophy at NEOM is about much more than the game,” said Jan Paterson, Managing Director of NEOM Sport.
“It connects our people and regions to one of Asia’s premier sporting events, and shows how sport is embedded in NEOM’s future vision.”
NEOM’s collaboration with the Asian Football Confederation also includes support for grassroots initiatives like the Shuhub Community Youth Football Program, which has reached around 10,000 young people across Saudi Arabia.
Through the program, local boys and girls have taken part in unforgettable moments serving as player mascots, center circle children, and even participating in the first-ever trophy handover by children at the AFC Champions League 2023/24 final.
[Reported by Arab News]
