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Karim Andari, founder of the Beirut Sports Festival, held a press conference on Thursday at the Beirut Forum to announce with great pomp the launch of the second edition of the festival.
In front of an impressive array of personalities, politicians, sports figures and journalists, including President of the Lebanese Olympic Committee Pierre Jalkh, Raja Labaki representing the caretaker Minister of Youth and Sports, Brigadier General André Haddad representing the Chief Commander of the Lebanese Army, Commander Walid Tanouri representing the Director-General of Internal Security, Major Hicham Ramouz representing the Acting Director-General of General Security, Captain Hamza Ibrahim representing the Director-General of State Security, presidents and members of federations and presidents and members of clubs, the master of ceremonies George Souaidi welcomed the participants, emphasizing that hosting this major sporting event is a success in itself given the economic, political and security conditions Lebanon is currently facing.
The festival’s initiator and Chairman of the Organizing Committee Karim Andari stated that hosting the festival in these difficult circumstances is a challenge in itself. “We have a responsibility to sports and athletes, and like last year, the proceeds from visitors will be donated to support prominent Lebanese athletes. I expect the festival to attract between 45,000 and 50,000 visitors, four times more than the 10,000 visitors brought in last year. One billion Lebanese pounds were distributed to athletes, this amount coming from the proceeds of the entrance fees of the first edition.”
In this regard, Andari mentioned that the entrance fee will be $3 per person, but this rate will drop to $1 if the visitor registers via a sponsor’s application at the Forum entrance. “The festival area is approximately 25,000 square meters, and there will be numerous games throughout the festival, including three-on-three basketball, taekwondo, kung fu, and wushu, mixed martial arts, wrestling, badminton, padel, table tennis, an arm wrestling university championship and foosball, as well as many university tournaments in several disciplines because universities are the breeding ground for youth and athletes.”
“All these competitions will of course be placed under the auspices of their respective federations, in addition to numerous sports competitions and shows under the supervision of the Automobile et Touring Club du Liban (ATCL),” continued Andari.
The Beirut Sports Festival will take place at the Beirut Forum from May 23rd to May 26th. This important sports event will be open to all from 4 PMÂ to 10 PM. The Lebanese public and sports enthusiasts will have the opportunity to attend colorful shows and competitions.
