Ministry of Social Affairs and Beirut Marathon Announce Partnership to Include People with Disabilities in International Race

The Ministry of Social Affairs and the "Beirut Marathon" Association held a press conference to announce a new collaboration aimed at enhancing the participation of persons with disabilities, associations, and the most vulnerable groups in the Beirut International Marathon organized by the association on Sunday, November 29, under the slogan: "Beirut in Every Step."

The conference came as a confirmation of cooperation between the public sector, civil society, and the private sector regarding inclusion issues. Minister of Social Affairs Haneen Al-Sayed attended along with several ministry employees and staff. Also present from the "Beirut Marathon" Association were its president May Khalil and members of the administrative body, including Secretary-General and Media Advisor Hassan Muhyiddin, Treasurer Ghassan Hajjar, Rada Sawaf, Dina Haraka, Executive Director Samer Makarem, General Assembly member Roni Hamad, and Awareness Director Anna Maria Khoury, alongside representatives of media institutions.

Al-Sayed delivered a speech confirming that "the Beirut Marathon is not just a sports race, but a space that brings together thousands of Lebanese from various regions and backgrounds in the heart of the capital, Beirut."

She emphasized that "the fundamental challenge is to ensure that this space includes everyone, especially those who are often prevented from participating due to disability, poverty, or social conditions."

Al-Sayed added: "The role of the Ministry of Social Affairs is not limited to providing aid and services; it also includes creating opportunities for participation and integration, working with civil society and the private sector to remove barriers that prevent people from exercising their rights." She revealed that in this year's race, she will give the starting signal to persons with disabilities within the special needs program adopted by the association, which provides training and support for participants using handcycles, in addition to supporting the visually impaired program to participate in the race accompanied by runners during training and the race itself.

She announced a new initiative within the ministry's economic inclusion program, based on linking more than 50 cooperating private sector companies with civil society organizations, so that each company can support a social cause, choose an associated organization, and adopt a team participating in the race under its name. She concluded by calling on the private sector to expand its support for humanitarian causes, affirming that Beirut is for everyone and the Beirut Marathon must be for everyone.

For her part, "Beirut Marathon" Association President May Khalil thanked the Ministry of Social Affairs "for embracing this cooperation and converging on a humanitarian issue, namely human dignity, where charitable associations work with your ministry to care for them and attend to their needs," stressing that "behind every social program, every decision, and every participation number, there is a person, a family, a story no one has heard, and pain no one feels."

While noting the role played by the ministry in responding to people's needs and building a system that protects their dignity and preserves their rights, Khalil pointed out that "after 23 years of the association's journey, we have learned a lesson that we cannot change society alone. Hence, the partnership with institutions, associations, volunteers, and a category ready to give and take initiative. Hence, the 'Adopt a Team' program, our partnership with charitable associations, and transforming this belief into real opportunities so that every person feels they have a place, a role, and the right to participate."

She expressed hope for "the continuation of this cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs, so that we reach the largest segment within Lebanese society and provide opportunities that leave a true and sustainable impact."

She concluded by thanking Minister Al-Sayed and the ministry family present with us at this meeting.