Setting a new benchmark of excellence and originality for social responsibility initiatives within the banking sector, Kuwait International Bank (KIB) recently succeeded in organizing the first professional sports initiative of its kind in Kuwait and the region, the world-class multi-sport tournament: KIB | The Stadium. The sports event was launched on January 25, 2023 under the Bank’s auspices, concluding its two-week program of activities on February 6, 2023.
KIB collaborated with Suffix Events KIB | The Stadium to life, in a joint effort that aimed to advance Kuwait’s sporting culture, while promoting a balanced and healthy lifestyle in society. The initiative came as part of the Bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting talented Kuwaitis across multiple areas of interest and expertise, including professional sports.
The opening ceremony of KIB | The Stadium hosted various VIPs and influential figures, including KIB’s own Board of Directors and Executive Management Team, as well as Suffix’s Board of Directors, Board of Trustees and Executive Managements. In addition to the opening event, the two-phase tournament saw a remarkable daily visitors’ turnout. With a packed arena of spectators cheering for their team of athletes at the stadiums’ arena, visitors also enjoyed the side activities setup as part of the event. This included a participation from the successful homegrown F&B startups festival, ‘Food Buzz’, at the food court area, as well as many companies from various industries and sectors gathered at ‘The Village’ area, that offered their services and products.
The first phase of the KIB | The Stadium sports event was dedicated to Padel, held under the supervision of the Kuwait Padel Federation. Top Padel male and female athletes from Kuwait and the GCC competed for five days straight. The tournament concluded with the crowning of Abdullah Ahli and Omar Behroozian from the UAE as champions in the male category final matches, and Fatma Al-Nabhani and Sarah Al-Balushi from Oman in the female category finals.
The following second Phase of the tournament featured a unique and exciting multi-sport fitness challenge – organized in collaboration with FDT Gym. Athletes from top gyms in Kuwait were invited to compete in 12 different competitions, with Circuit+ Fitness coming in first place, FDT Strong winning second place and Flare Fitness ranking third.
KIB | The Stadium was concluded by honoring all the winners and participants who flew in from across the GCC. On her part, Assistant Manager - Marketing Department and Corporate Communication Unit, Marwa Maarafi, also expressed the Bank’s appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of this exceptional initiative, including players, partners, visitors, and the cheering audience. She also expressed special thanks to Suffix Events, Food Buzz and FDT Gym, lauding their on-ground support and exceptional efforts towards organizing, managing, and supervising a top-class regional event of this caliber – helping cement Kuwait’s prominent position in the world of pro-sports.
In conclusion, it serves to mention that KIB remains keen on playing an active social role through its various community engagements, continuously aiming to realize its social development and positive impact goals. In line with its slogan, “Bank for Life”, the Bank continues to aspire for the prosperity of the community it serves, as a leading and trusted financial institution in Kuwait, looking to drive sustainable growth for its people, in various field including sports, arts, technology, culture and much more.
Marwa Maarafi, Assistant Manager - Marketing Department and Corporate Communication Unit