In an industry awash with competitions, providing a truly memorable athlete experience can be a key differentiator for an event that is looking to gain a foothold in the busy international calendar.  Indeed, by endeavouring to meet such a challenge, NEOM Beach Games organisers are hoping to create a positive domino effect. After all, happy athletes are more likely to perform to their potential and return to an event they have enjoyed in future years. Meanwhile, attracting sport’s top stars year after year creates a buzz that will reverberate with spectators and viewers, as well as media and commercial partners alike. 

From October 21 to November 24, more than 800 athletes, coaches and staff members from around the world participated in triathlon, beach soccer, 3×3 basketball, mountain bike racing and sport climbing in NEOM, Saudi Arabia. 

According to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics, 63% of the approximate 32 million population are under the age of 30, representing one of the youngest populations in the world. 

This was certainly top of mind for FIBA, which brought its youth-focused 3×3 format to the Games, with the contests featuring six players on a half-court competition surface. 

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