Sport Spark 2025 begins at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre

MUSCAT, JULY 19

The activities of the “Sport Spark 2025” festival have kicked off in the indoor halls of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), under the auspices of Ahmed bin Mohammed al Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality. The festival will continue until August 16, attracting a wide range of participants from various age groups and sporting interests, offering a comprehensive community sports experience under an air-conditioned roof amidst the high summer temperatures. The event is being held in Exhibition halls 1 and 2, providing a healthy and comfortable environment that allows everyone to enjoy practicing sports and attending various activities.

Following the great success of the previous edition of “Sport Spark”, which attracted more than 50,000 participants, the festival returns this year with a more dynamic and inclusive programme. The event aims to promote fitness, wellness and community engagement in the face of the high summer temperatures in Oman by providing high-quality, air-conditioned sports facilities and a comprehensive engaging atmosphere.

The event is organised by OCEC in collaboration with the Muscat Governorate, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, Omran Group and Sabco Sports. Sponsored by Sohar International, the 2025 edition introduces a first-of-its-kind experience in Oman. The festival’s programme includes 20 indoor sports, including football, basketball, volleyball, badminton, tennis, indoor golf and indoor hockey. This year, the addition of indoor golf and hockey is a first, alongside the return of boxing after its success in the previous edition. These games cater to both athletes and enthusiasts alike, encouraging the integration of various groups in both recreational and sporting environments.

The festival is not limited to traditional sports only but also includes a range of exciting new activities, such as the launch of the “Muscat Night Run” in collaboration with the Muscat Marathon, scheduled for August 1, where participants will have the opportunity to Run on two distinctive routes of 2.5 km and 5 km. The second season of the “Phygital E-Gaming” championship will also see thrilling Fifa competitions, supported by the Omani Electronic Games Committee. Additionally, the first-ever “Football Academies Cup” will be held, featuring 32 teams, including 10 regional academies, aimed at supporting, discovering, and refining young talents. The festival also includes the “Ninja Obstacle Series (NOS)”, inspired by famous global challenges such as “Spartan”, adding a new dimension of challenge and excitement.

The festival offers a golden opportunity for individuals, teams and clubs to practice sports, with prices starting from only 2 Omani Rials per hour and flexible booking periods available throughout the day. Organisers are keen to offer several free activities to enhance community participation, encouraging families and youth to engage in a healthy and lively environment.

Ahmed bin Mohammed al Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, confirmed that the event meets the community’s need for indoor sports activities during the summer, pointing out that it offers a unique and distinguished experience for all age groups from 6 to 45 years old. He emphasised the importance of utilising the centre’s facilities during this period, noting that the festival’s space has doubled this year with increased support from the private sector, reflecting optimism for a broader and brighter future for the event in the coming years.

Said al Shanfari, CEO of the Oman OCEC, explained that this year’s edition is more diverse and expansive, with new sports such as golf and pickleball, complemented by a rich daily schedule and an expanded academy for children. He highlighted that the organisation involves more than 200 young people, reflecting the spirit of teamwork and community interaction. He also emphasised the importance of media promotion for the event, particularly through social media platforms and influencers; and mentioned that the strategic location of the centre in the heart of Muscat greatly contributed to attracting attendees and participants.

Al Shanfari further noted that “Sport Spark” aims to become the largest and most comprehensive sporting event year after year by introducing more new games and expanding partnerships with schools, academies, clubs and the private sector. He also emphasised the commitment to providing an inclusive experience that covers all groups, including people with disabilities and the importance of considering visitors’ feedback to improve the event in the future. Moreover, special spaces will be designated for children within a comprehensive summer camp and attractive offers for companies will be available to promote public health and team spirit among employees.

It is worth mentioning that the festival welcomes visitors daily from 8 am to 11 pm, creating a daily scene full of sports, entertainment and community participation.

For bookings, registration and more information, visit the Sports Spark official website www.sportsparkoman.com or follow @SportSparkOm on social media.

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