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The Embassy of France in Lebanon, in collaboration with the “Sports Academy School” and under the supervision of the Lebanese Olympic Committee, organized the third edition of the Olympic Day at the sports facilities of Antonine University (Baabda-Hadath) during a long sports day, approximately two months before the opening of the Summer Olympics in Paris.
The sports facilities of Antonine University were transformed into a hive of activity, and several competitions took place in various team and individual sports, under sunny spring weather, with the participation of 288 players from 24 schools from across Lebanon. These budding athletes competed in basketball, athletics, mini-football, swimming, archery and other sports, as well as wheelchair basketball handicap challenge competitions, in coordination with the Lebanese National Energy association.
Among the attendees were the president of the Lebanese Olympic Committee, Pierre Jalkh, lawyer Ibrahim Choueiry representing the Minister of Youth and Sports, George Kallas, the representative of the French Embassy and the French Institute, Sabine Sciortino, the administrative vice president of Antonine University and secretary-general of the university, Father Ziad Matouk, Raja Labaki, advisor to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Georges Assaf, director of the Sports Academy School, directors and sports teachers from participating schools, parents of the players and journalists.
The Opening Ceremony
The Lebanese national anthem kicked off the day, followed by the French national anthem, and then the parade of participating teams in the Olympic Day. The master of ceremonies, Marjolaine Deborde, welcomed the audience. The first speech was delivered by Father Matouk: “We are pleased to host for the third consecutive year the Olympic Day at the sports facilities of Antonine University under the theme ‘Land of Games,’ in collaboration with the Embassy of France and the Sports Academy School. This sporting event promotes human development through sports, a unique experience for about 300 students. Sport is not just physical competition, but a means of breaking barriers and building bridges between the peoples of the world.” Sabine Sciortino then spoke, mentioning the organization of the Olympic Day two months before the Summer Olympics in Paris, thanking the Lebanese Olympic Committee, Antonine University and the Sports Academy School, as well as all those who contributed to the success of this sports day. She also expressed satisfaction at seeing hundreds of students participating in this third edition of the Olympic Day, hoping for the development of Lebanese sports. The third speech was by Pierre Jalkh, who thanked the French Embassy for its interest in Lebanese sports. “We have, in Lebanon, a sporting potential that has not yet been exploited, and we must set aside differences and personal interests to work only for sports.” He added, “I invite you to visit the Beirut Sports Festival in its second edition, which will take place from May 23 to 26 at the Forum de Beyrouth and to visit the pavilion of the Olympic Museum. Despite the challenges in our country, there are active administrators like Georges Assaf and Karim Andari who work for sports. Two weeks ago, international shooter Ray Bassil won the gold medal at the World Cup in Azerbaijan, a new international achievement. So far, four Lebanese athletes have qualified for the Olympics: Ray Bassil, Laetitia Aoun, Karim Sagayev, and Mariana Sahakian. Lebanon will be represented by eight athletes at the upcoming Olympics.” Jalkh concluded by stating, “Sport is a school of life.” Paralympic champion Arz Zahreddine then expressed his joy at qualifying for the Paris Paralympic Games for the second consecutive time, after participating in the Tokyo Games three years ago. He will compete in the 100 and 200-meter races. Zahreddine paraded among the audience, carrying the Olympic flag and the Olympic flame.
The Olympic oath was then recited to the applause of those present.
Competitions in all disciplines began and continued throughout the day in the presence of many stars, including former captain of the Lebanese national basketball team, Elie Rustom, captain of the Lebanese national football team, Hassan Maatouk, and goalkeeper of the Lebanese national football team, Mehdi Khalil.
