Marking the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Beirut Marathon Association, a ceremony was held at AHM Beirut Waterfront, at the invitation of Caretaker Minister of Tourism, Walid Nassar, in the presence of the Association’s President, Mrs. May Khalil, and a large number of prominent figures and professional foreign, Arab and Lebanese runners partaking in the Beirut International Marathon taking place today.
The Tourism Minister presented a memorial plaque to the Association’s President, saying: “The Iron Lady who believed in the importance of the marathon not only for physical and sports activity, but also for the impact on society and mental health, and who worked hard and tirelessly for 20 years, believing in the message of the Beirut Marathon, and choosing her motto for the world: I am Beirut, I make the impossible possible!”
Nassar thanked “everyone who contributed to the success of this event, including individuals and institutions, after a forced hiatus for two years.”
“The Beirut Marathon enhances the tourism sector in Lebanon and reflects its true image just as it promotes sports,” he said.
At the end of the ceremony, artist Jad Choueiri performed for the first time the song “Ana Beirut”, inspired by the occasion.
Source: National News Agency – Lebanon