Baïrakdarían Launches 'Sports Week': We Want Lebanon's Energies to Unite and Build the State

Launched by Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Nora Baïrakdarían, activities for "Lebanon's Sports Week" began early in the morning from universities across various regions, with torches traveling routes from North Lebanon, South Lebanon, Bekaa, Mount Lebanon, and Beirut, converging at the Ministry of Youth and Sports building into a single national flame.

The torches were welcomed by Minister Baïrakdarían, President of the Lebanese University Sports Federation Ziad Saadah, and representatives from military leadership, while the Army's musical band performed national anthems in celebration of the occasion.

In her speech, Baïrakdarían emphasized that "Sports Week was established, based on the ministry's proposal, not merely as a sporting event but as a national milestone uniting Lebanon’s youth and regions, transforming sport into a message carrying values of discipline, responsibility, respect for others, and teamwork."

She addressed Lebanon’s youth, urging them to "stop being passive recipients of their country and instead become active contributors to its construction through university, sport, public service, and community engagement," stressing that "true citizenship also involves asking: What can I give Lebanon?" She noted that the convergence of torches embodies Lebanon’s unity and regional integration, conveying a message of solidarity with people in the south amid difficult circumstances, and reaffirming commitment to protecting life, holding onto hope, and rising above adversity.

For his part, Saadah highlighted "the efforts of Minister Baïrakdarían and her initiatives supporting youth and the sports sector, as well as the national and university dimensions of organizing Sports Week," affirming that "Lebanese sports seeks peace and carries a message of love, connection, and unity among Lebanese people."

After commending Saadah’s remarks, Baïrakdarían stressed the need to "present Lebanon to the world through its youth, athletes, universities, talents, and capacity for initiative," expressing the ministry’s aspiration to transform Sports Week into an annual national tradition expanding each year, helping discover talent and strengthen ties between regions, universities, and institutions. She thanked the participating youth, universities, federations, municipalities, and all contributing entities, and honored the Lebanese Army and its musical band for their participation in this national event.

Finally, Baïrakdarían officially declared the launch of Sports Week in Lebanon, affirming that "the four torches did not come to deepen divisions among institutions but to prove their ability to unite under one nation." She said: "We want a Lebanon where energies meet, where the state is built, where doors open for youth, and where sport becomes part of shaping individuals, society, and the nation—Lebanon where the torch never goes out."