As part of the promotional tours for the "OMT" Beirut Marathon scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 12, 2023, a delegation from the Beirut Marathon Association, led by May Khalil, visited the University of Balamand. The visit began with an introductory meeting with the university president, Professor Elias Al-Warraq, in his office, accompanied by his deputies, Dr. Rami Aboud, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Dr. Salim Kanaan, the Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Youssef Bassem, and the Director of Sports Activities, Dr. Ghaleb Halima. Also present from the Beirut Marathon Association were Vice President, retired Brigadier General Hassan Rustum, Secretary, Media Consultant Hassan Mohieddine, Board Member Dina Harake, Administrative Committee Member Bashir Al-Saqaa, and Communication Coordinator Riana Saffouf.
The meeting included a presentation by Professor Al-Warraq about the history of the University of Balamand and the values and principles upheld by the university in academic, scientific, and national contexts. In her turn, Khalil presented the association’s activities and its role in promoting a running culture across Lebanon, highlighting the annual marathon that has placed Lebanon on the map of prominent international sports events. She expressed her gratitude for holding this meeting.
Following that, everyone moved to the celebration hall where students had gathered, and a celebratory program was prepared, starting with the national anthem, followed by the university anthem. The event was moderated by Joy Ishaq. Dr. Rami Aboud spoke about the Beirut Marathon Association and its role in emphasizing the importance of sports and presenting a civil image of Lebanon, pointing out the common values shared between the university and the association regarding the importance and benefits of sports in physical and mental aspects. He clarified that the university would participate in the marathon as in previous years, under the banner of love and humanity.
Beach volleyball player Omar Abi Karam then delivered a speech about his experience in the sports world, its benefits, and his participation in the association's races. Khalil addressed the students directly, calling them “agents of change” and the leaders of the future. She urged them to return to their homeland after they spread around the world because the country needs their minds and hands, stating: "You are fortunate to belong to this ancient university deeply rooted in history." She shared her personal experience as a sports runner, how the Beirut Marathon Association started, what it has achieved over the years, and her aspirations for a better future for sports in Lebanon. She concluded by affirming that Lebanon is the homeland and identity for all its children and called for broad participation from students in the race, which bears the slogan: "One heart in one race." She extended her appreciation to President Professor Elias Al-Warraq and the university staff for their efforts in elevating the university's status and thanked Dr. Halima for organizing this meeting with professionalism. She expressed her hope to establish a partnership and sports cooperation agreement with the university.
Subsequently, the coordinator from the Beirut Marathon Association with educational institutions, Anna Maria Khoury, presented the logistical and technical details of this year's race and addressed the audience's questions. She also screened documentaries about the association’s activities and its significant milestones. The event concluded with a token of appreciation presented to Professor Al-Warraq, who received an honorary shield from Khalil.
