Saudi Swimming Federation seeks sports and academic ties in Italy

A delegation from the Saudi Swimming Federation, led by CEO Zeyad Abualhamael and head coach Arnaldo Castelli, has held meetings in Pescara, Italy, to establish strategic sports and academic collaborations.

Discussions with the University of d’Annunzio focused on creating exchange programs for students and faculty, as well as joint research projects in sports medicine, performance monitoring, and training methodologies. The university aims to provide tailored educational paths for young Saudi student-athletes.

Simultaneously, regional leaders in Abruzzo met with the delegation to discuss transforming the Le Naiadi aquatic complex into an international training hub for Saudi national swimming and water polo teams. Following successful training camps for Under 18 and Under 19 squads, the goal is to host joint training sessions, international tournaments, and educational programs. Regional President Lorenzo Sospiri noted that 11 million euros have been allocated in 2026 for the revitalization of the Le Naiadi facility to support these international sporting and economic opportunities.