The 1875 Sports Club Beirut (Saint Joseph University) and the Beirut First Club signed a cooperation protocol in the university's council hall located on the "Innovation and Sports" campus (Ashrafieh - Damascus Road near the National Museum). The signing was conducted between the two clubs' presidents, Father Selim Dkach and Nadim Hakim, in the presence of several deans and officials from the university, members of the Beirut Club's administrative committee, the university's sports director, Secretary-General of Club 1875 Maroun Khoury, the technical staff of Beirut Club, players, and media representatives.
The national anthem opened the event, followed by a speech by the event's host, journalist Fares Karam, who discussed the collaboration between Club 1875, which engages in 12 sports, and Beirut Club, known for its numerous local and Arab basketball titles for men, women, and youth, highlighting the role of both clubs in the field of sport and its development.
In his speech, Nadim Hakim, President of Beirut Club, stated, "Dear attendees, we did not choose the name Beirut for our club lightly; it encapsulates the philosophy behind the establishment of this team and its mission, symbolizing openness, love, and the ability to face challenges and life despite wars, invasions, and earthquakes. The city has always returned stronger and greater."
He expressed the desire for the club to embody this challenging spirit, serving as a symbol and example of coexistence, love of life, and the triumph of the nation over ineffective policies. He mentioned the club's foundation and management as an institution that remains unaffected by changes, administered with modern thinking within athletic and social goals that embrace all age groups and academic levels for both genders. He emphasized the ongoing focus on the women’s team, which, alongside the men's team, has achieved official and friendly local and Arab titles in record time.
He highlighted the significant achievement in Lebanese sports with the sponsorship of Beirut Club by a major airline, expressing pride in announcing cooperation with the prestigious Saint Joseph University through Club 1875 or the university's faculties. He noted their commitment to making this cooperation beneficial for the university’s students and the players in the Beirut Club Academy.
Quickly outlining the cooperation specifics, he mentioned:
1. The Beirut Club Academy will conduct its training at the sports complex of Saint Joseph University.
2. Players from the Beirut Club Academy can participate in national tournaments under the name of Club 1875.
3. Club Beirut will assist Club 1875 in completing its men's and women's teams by providing outstanding players.
4. Scholarships will be awarded to players from the Beirut Club Academy.
5. Exchange of sports expertise between the two clubs.
6. Opportunities for Saint Joseph University students in specific fields to undergo professional training within the management and teams of Beirut Club.
7. Collaboration with the business school to create a Master's in Sports Management.
8. Joint organization of a scientific sports conference covering various aspects of sports.
He thanked Maroun Khoury for his cooperation and efforts in ensuring the success of this collaboration, as well as dean Fouad Zamakhl for his friendship and the present deans. He extended special thanks to the university president, Father Selim Dkach, for his educational and sporting impact, and also to the Lebanese Basketball Federation under Akram Halabi's presidency for its sponsorship of the sport.
In conclusion, he wished for a 2024 filled with stability, security, and success.
In his address, Father Selim Dkach, President of Club 1875, welcomed everyone and noted that the protocol would enhance sports and empower both clubs, especially in strengthening athletes. He underscored the club's history dating back to the founding of Saint Joseph University in 1875 and spoke about the university's role in helping students build a complete personality for better integration into society and local activities.
He emphasized providing opportunities for students and graduates aspiring to study at the university to practice their sports at the national level under the best possible conditions, while also focusing on refining administrative work in sports through participation in the election of sports federations and assisting them in spreading sports and organizing festivals by offering venues and hosting championships.
Father Dkach indicated that Club 1875 participates in most sports and is affiliated with many federations, noting achievements with cups and medals. He added, "We care about both individual and team sports and have achieved successes. With our agreement with Beirut Club, a distinguished club that has won the Lebanese Championship and Cup for both men and women as well as the Arab Cup for clubs in both categories, we accentuate basketball as Lebanon's primary sport regarding the results and the passion of the Lebanese for it."
He underscored the shared values with Beirut Club regarding sportsmanship and the ambition to develop youth and ensure everything necessary for their success. He expressed that they had met earlier with the Basketball Federation and that today they are signing an agreement with one of the most prominent clubs in the sport, pledging to support all sports, clubs, or schools for the benefit of beloved Lebanon.
The signing of the protocol then took place between Father Dkach and Hakim amid applause from the attendees. Hakim later presented Dkach with a commemorative shield as a token of appreciation and friendship.
