The Lebanese Basketball Federation and "C.F.I" signed a sponsorship contract for the Lebanese men's national team for four years during a crowded press conference held at the "Le Royal" Hotel in Dhour Chweir. The event was attended by the first vice president of the Asian Federation and president of the Lebanese Basketball Federation, Akram Halabi, the secretary general, lawyer Charbel Michel Rizk, the national teams director and federation member Ghazi Bustani, the head of the venues committee and federation member Eli Khleil, the assistant general manager of "C.F.I", Ziad Ghatas, several company officials, the team manager Aidi Abu Zakham, the technical staff led by national coach Jad Haj, the players of the Lebanese national team, stakeholders in Lebanese basketball, and media personnel.
The ceremony began with the Lebanese national anthem, followed by a welcoming speech from the event host, Deem Suleiman, who stated: "We gather today to announce once again the sponsorship agreement of CFI for the Lebanese men's basketball team, one month before its participation in the World Cup, wishing the Cedar team success in this significant international challenge. Previously, "C.F.I" had signed a sponsorship agreement with the federation last year."
Ghatas then spoke, saying: "The Lebanese Basketball Federation and the Lebanese national team represent a peak of pride and honor. Salute to all the achievements made over the years, and all hopes for a promising future filled with successes." He noted that as a leading global financial institution that originated from Lebanon, they seek to play an effective role in supporting Lebanese sports in general and basketball in particular. He commended the efforts exerted by the Lebanese Basketball Federation and its members, highlighting the sacrifices and activities aimed at elevating Lebanon's image internationally, despite the challenges and difficult circumstances in the country.
Ghatas added: "We are pleased to stand by you and support you, as you have succeeded through your strong will and persistent efforts in raising the flag of basketball to a global level. As a sponsoring institution, we are committed to renewing this agreement for four more years, with a firm conviction that our initiative will serve as a strong motivator to intensify your activities and strengthen young talents, thus keeping the national team shining, united in performance, and resilient in its noble national spirit." He concluded by stating: "This agreement is a testament to the strong trust we place in our national team, which will undoubtedly stand on platforms of honor and assured victory. With you, the federation rises, sports flourish, and the eternal Cedar stands tall. With you, Lebanon lives."
Halabi then delivered his remarks, thanking the journalists and media personnel for their presence and coverage of Lebanese basketball news. He expressed his gratitude and praise to "C.F.I" for sponsoring the Lebanese national team for the next four years, adding that "the sponsorship signed last year has proven to be a good omen for Lebanese basketball, as three Lebanese teams qualified for the World Cup (under 16, under 19, and men), and the men's national team's qualification came before the end of the qualifiers."
Halabi pointed out that C.F.I’s renewal of sponsorship is a sign of trust in Lebanese basketball, concluding by saying, "The road between us is long." He then signed the sponsorship contract with Ghatas amidst applause from those present. Ghatas received from Halabi the team jersey bearing the number 1.
In response to journalists' questions, Ghatas stated: "We have chosen to sponsor Lebanese basketball because it is the most popular sport in Lebanon. We may support various sports in the future as we have confidence in Lebanese youth." For his part, Halabi noted: "The federation is in the process of establishing a new phase after the World Cup. We have drawn many positive and negative lessons and need to address the negatives. It is no longer sufficient just to qualify for the World Cup; we need to achieve results there. I would like to thank national coach Jad Haj and the team players." The technical staff and players then signed the national team jersey.
