In an atmosphere of joy and celebration, a major sports event, the "O.M.T Beirut Sports Festival," was inaugurated in its second edition at the "Forum de Beyrouth," which will run for four days until Sunday. The official opening ceremony was attended by a large crowd, led by Brigadier General Mikhail Moussa, representing the Commander of the Lebanese Army, General Joseph Aoun; Olympic Committee President Dr. Pierre Jalakh; Dr. Raja Labki, representing the Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. George Kallas; Major Shawkat Jumaa, representing General Director of General Security, Major General Elias Becheri; Major Khaled Nasser, representing General Director of Internal Security Forces, Major General Imad Othman; Captain Hamza Ibrahim, representing General Director of State Security, Major General Tony Saliba; Olympic Committee Treasurer Attorney Francois Saade; businessman Carlos Ghosn; CEO of "O.M.T" Najib Abi Zaid; director of sports and scouting facilities Mohammad Aouidat; owner of "Forum de Beyrouth" Eli Zard Abu Jaouda; heads and members of federations; representatives of exhibition booths; and a multitude of journalists and media personnel from local, Arab, and international media who followed the event.
The guests were welcomed by the festival's organizing committee chairman Karim Al Andari, and the attendees enjoyed a toast at the "O.M.T" booth before heading to cut the official opening ribbon, marking the festival's launch, which includes team and individual sports as well as dozens of booths. The opening began with the national anthem, followed by dazzling performances in taekwondo, kung fu, fencing, and rhythmic gymnastics that impressed the attendees. Senior guests then toured the exhibition, witnessing competitions in three-on-three basketball, tug-of-war, mixed martial arts, table tennis, drifting, and electronic sports, among others, in an atmosphere that gave hope that Lebanon remains resilient despite the deteriorating political, security, and economic conditions it and the region are experiencing.
All who attended the first day agreed that what they witnessed rivaled the largest international sports exhibitions worldwide. The festival will continue daily until Sunday evening, with doors opening at 4 PM and remaining open until 10 PM.
