The French Embassy in Lebanon, in collaboration with Sports Academy School and under the supervision of the Lebanese Olympic Committee, organized the third edition of "Olympic Day" at the sports facilities of Antonine University (Bikfaya-Event) during a long sports day about two months before the opening of the Summer Olympics in Paris. The sports facilities of Antonine University turned into a "beehive" with multiple games held in various team and individual sports, under sunny spring weather. 288 male and female players from 24 schools across Lebanon participated, competing in basketball, athletics, mini-football, swimming, archery, among others, alongside wheelchair basketball competitions coordinated with the National Energy Association.
Notable attendees included the President of the Olympic Committee, Dr. Pierre Jalakh, lawyer Ibrahim Al-Shuwairi representing Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. George Qalas, French Embassy representative and French Center Sabine Siourtino, Vice President of Antonine University for Administrative Affairs and Secretary General Father Ziad Maatouk, Dr. Raja Labki, consultant to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. George Asaf, Director of Sports Academy School, physical education directors and teachers from participating schools, players’ families, journalists, and media personnel.
The event opened with the Lebanese National Anthem followed by the French anthem and a display of the participating teams in "Olympic Day," welcomed by Master of Ceremonies Marjoline Dubord. The first speech by Father Maatouk expressed joy that Antonine University's sports facilities hosted "Olympic Day" for the third consecutive year under the theme "Land of Games," in collaboration with the French Embassy and Sports Academy School to hold this sporting event. Maatouk spoke about the role of sports in human development, adding, "Today, about 300 students will experience a unique event; sports are not just about physical competition but a means to break barriers and build bridges between the peoples of the world."
The second speech by Siourtino discussed hosting Olympic Day two months before the opening of the Summer Olympics in Paris on July 26, thanking the Lebanese Olympic Committee, Antonine University, Sports Academy School, and all contributors to the success of the long sports day. She pointed out that many Lebanese volunteers would participate in organizing the Olympics, expressing happiness to see hundreds of students taking part in the third edition of "Olympic Day" and wishing for the growth of Lebanese sports.
In his remarks, Dr. Jalakh thanked the French Embassy for its interest in Lebanese sports and acknowledged the organizers. He added, "Lebanon has a sporting advantage that has yet to be fully utilized, and we must set aside disputes and interests and work solely for the sake of sports." Jalakh continued, "I invite you to visit the Second Beirut Sports Festival, which will take place from May 23 to 26 at the Forum de Beirut, as well as the Olympic Museum pavilion. Despite the situation in our country, there are active administrators such as Dr. George Asaf and Karim Andari working for sports. Two weeks ago, international shooter Ray Bassil won the gold medal at the World Cup in Azerbaijan, marking a new international achievement. I would also like to highlight that three Lebanese athletes have already qualified for the Olympics: Ray Bassil, Leticia Aoun, and Karam Saghaief, with eight athletes representing Lebanon in the upcoming Olympics." He concluded by stating, "Sports is a school of life."
In turn, Paralympic champion Arz Zahr El-Din expressed his excitement about qualifying for the Paralympic Olympics in Paris for the second consecutive time after previously participating in the Tokyo Olympics three years ago. He will compete in the 100 and 200 meter races. Zahr El-Din walked among the attendees holding the Olympic flag and the Olympic torch.
The competitions commenced in all sports and continued until 6 PM, with numerous stars in attendance, including former Lebanon basketball team captain Eli Rostom, captain of the Lebanon football team Hassan Maatouk, and goalkeeper of the Lebanon national team Mahdi Khalil. At the end, a ceremony was held to award the winners amidst a festive atmosphere.
