The company “noknok” has officially signed a sponsorship agreement with the Beirut Sports Festival. As the primary sponsor, noknok will support the festival, set to take place from July 14-19 at Arena Seaside on Beirut’s waterfront, under the patronage of Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Noura Bairakdarian. The signing ceremony occurred at noknok’s headquarters in Zouk Mosbeh and was attended by the company's CEO, Elias Hankash, and festival president, Karim Al Andari. Also present were the company’s marketing head, Tamam Al Othman, along with festival officials, “stars” Ismail Ahmed (basketball), sprinter Aziza Sbeity, Taekwondo athlete Leticia Aoun, and a large gathering of press and media representatives.
The event kicked off with the national anthem, followed by host Dory Nasser’s remarks, highlighting that the partnership between noknok and the Beirut Sports Festival is expected to significantly enhance the fourth edition of the well-known festival, which attracted over 70,000 spectators last year.
Al Andari expressed his gratitude to noknok for their support, stating, “The company believes in Lebanese sports and their development, having entered the sports world with great ambition. Preparations are intensifying to ensure a successful six-day festival. Lebanese fans will have the opportunity to view the World Cup semi-finals and final match live on Lebanon's largest screen. Last year, the exhibition attracted over 71,000 visitors, and we anticipate more than 100,000 attendees this year. Our project unites athletes and Lebanese from all regions.”
Elias Hankash, addressing the audience, welcomed everyone, adding that Gray Mckenzie, which owns noknok, employs 3,200 individuals and is led by Chairman Hassan Azedine, who has a strong belief in Lebanon. Hankash announced plans to sponsor basketball in the future and expressed gratitude to Karim Al Andari for the determination and resolve to hold the festival amid Lebanon’s challenging circumstances. “We decided to sponsor the festival and name it ‘Noknok Beirut Sports Festival,’” he stated.
Hankash concluded, “We have talent and potential, and we believe in Lebanon and its sports. Our next meeting will be between July 14 and 19.”
The sponsorship agreement was then signed by Hankash and Al Andari.