JEDDAH, 4 April 2006 — The first skydiving center in Riyadh kickstart their activities and shows at Al-Thumamah tomorrow. The event is open to the public. A happy mix of youth and old vanguard will showcase their skydiving skills.
“It has become the equestrian sport of the era,” said Maj. Mubarak Al-Suwailem, deputy president of the Arab Federation for Aerial Sports. The center had been preparing for this activity since its inauguration in the middle of February 2006, he said.
Prince Sultan ibn Khalid Al-Faisal, president of the Saudi Skydiving Committee, expresssed happiness for the achievement of the center that enables youth to indulge in courageous and useful hobby. He also said that the center now welcomes all the skydivers in the Kingdom to acquire their international skydiving license so they can practice this hobby following all safety rules and regulations.
Prince Sultan thanked the Saudi Geological Survey which offered the skydiving center with their Sky Fan airplane for skydivers to jump from.
Al-Suwailem encouraged the youth to have varied activities under professional trainers. He said they can spend their leisure time in something they like and at the same time aspire to qualify for spots on the the Saudi national team in international competitions and bring back home even greater success.
The president of the International Administration Counsel at the Sky Diving Center Murabit Al-Sawwaf said the idea of this center came true because of the dedication of Prince Sultan ibn Salman, president of the administration counsel at the Saudi Aviation Center. Prince Sultan wanted all youth who are keen on this sport to have their chance to practice their hobbies in an organized way. Al-Sawwaf also said the center is fully facilitated with all the latest equipment needed and the best professional trainers.
