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Saudi Games Torch Returns to Riyadh After Month-Long Journey Across the Kingdom

The torch traveled to various regions of the Kingdom and was celebrated in at least 17 cities. SPA
The torch traveled to various regions of the Kingdom and was celebrated in at least 17 cities. SPA
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Saudi Games Torch Returns to Riyadh After Month-Long Journey Across the Kingdom

The torch traveled to various regions of the Kingdom and was celebrated in at least 17 cities. SPA
The torch traveled to various regions of the Kingdom and was celebrated in at least 17 cities. SPA

The torch of the Saudi Games 2024 has returned to the capital Riyadh, after a 30-day journey across the Kingdom, covering over 3,500 kilometers.

The torch is not just a sports symbol but also represents the noble values embodied by the Saudi Games and spreads a message of peace and friendship to all it reaches. Similarly, it is not simply a celebration of the Olympic spirit but a symbol of human unity, spreading messages of motivation to every individual in the Kingdom to participate in this exceptional annual sporting event.

The torch traveled to various regions of the Kingdom and was celebrated in at least 17 cities.

The torch also visited at least 47 cultural and historical landmarks, including the Bujairi District in Diriyah, Jabal Ikmah and the Mughayra Heritage Sports Village in AlUla, the Bajdah Desert in NEOM, and Wadi Lajab in Jazan.

Athletes participating in the games this year will compete for prizes totaling SAR200 million. Gold medalists will receive SAR1 million, silver medalists SAR300,000, and bronze medalists SAR100,000.

In the youth category, gold medalists will receive SAR100,000, silver medalists SAR50,000, and bronze medalists SAR25,000.

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Former Poland Goalkeeper Szczesny Joins Barcelona after Announcing His Retirement in August

FC Barcelona's President Laporta, goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, and vice President Rafael Yuste hold Barcelona shirt following Szczesny's signing in Barcelona, Spain, October 2, 2024. (FC Barcelona/Handout via Reuters)
FC Barcelona's President Laporta, goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, and vice President Rafael Yuste hold Barcelona shirt following Szczesny's signing in Barcelona, Spain, October 2, 2024. (FC Barcelona/Handout via Reuters)
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Former Poland Goalkeeper Szczesny Joins Barcelona after Announcing His Retirement in August

FC Barcelona's President Laporta, goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, and vice President Rafael Yuste hold Barcelona shirt following Szczesny's signing in Barcelona, Spain, October 2, 2024. (FC Barcelona/Handout via Reuters)
FC Barcelona's President Laporta, goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, and vice President Rafael Yuste hold Barcelona shirt following Szczesny's signing in Barcelona, Spain, October 2, 2024. (FC Barcelona/Handout via Reuters)

Barcelona added former Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny to its squad on Wednesday to help make up for the absence of the injured Marc-André ter Stegen.

Szczesny had retired from professional soccer in August after leaving Italian club Juventus, but he said it would be “stupid” not to accept the Barcelona offer.

He said former Poland teammate Robert Lewandowski played a big part in the signing as the Barcelona striker was “probably the very first person that called” to ask Szczesny if there was a possibility of coming out of retirement.

“It took some convincing,” Szczesny said. “At the start I wasn’t sure if I’m ready for new challenges, but then I spoke with my family and I spoke with my friends and everybody told me how stupid I would be if I didn’t accept this. And I agreed with them.”

Barcelona said the 34-year-old Szczesny arrives “in unusual circumstances but there is no doubt that his CV speaks for itself.”

“It's a very proud moment,” Szczesny said. “I was honestly ready for retirement and I was happy there. I wouldn't do this for anybody else. It's exciting, it's a challenge for me, and it's a challenge that I face with a lot of energy, a lot of enthusiasm. I'm ready for it.”

Barcelona said it had reached a deal for Szczesny to stay until the end of the season.

Ter Stegen, one of the team's captains, had surgery after rupturing a tendon in his right knee in a Spanish league game and is expected to be sidelined for several months.

Iñaki Peña has been Barcelona’s starter in goal since Ter Stegen got injured last month. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has backed the 25-year-old Peña but said the club would look to add an experienced goalkeeper to the squad.

Szczesny attended Barcelona's 5-0 win over Young Boys in the Champions League on Tuesday, watching the match from a VIP section at the Montjuic stadium.

Szczesny, who also starred for Arsenal, made 84 appearances for Poland, including at this year's European Championship. He featured in two World Cups and four Euros.