In a powerful celebration of excellence, perseverance, and sportsmanship, the Arab Open University – Lebanon hosted a grand recognition ceremony, under the patronage of Her Excellency Dr. Nora Bayrakdarian, Minister of Youth and Sports, honoring its student athletes for their outstanding achievements in national university championships.
The ceremony marked the culmination of a year of dedication and achievement by AOU Lebanon’s sports teams. Representing the university across a wide range of competitions, including futsal, mini football, basketball, football, taekwondo, Muay Thai, squash, chess, and more.
AOU – Lebanon students consistently displayed not only athletic talent but also discipline, ethics, and team spirit. Notable achievements include:
Beyond rankings and medals, this ceremony was a recognition of something far greater: the role of sports in shaping character, building resilience, and cultivating leadership. H. E. Dr. Nora Bayrakdarian praised the university’s role in fostering a culture of athletic excellence and ethical competition.
The ceremony was also graced by a host of distinguished figures from Lebanon’s sports and security sectors. Among the attendees were Mr. Jihad Salameh, President of the Lebanese Olympic Committee; Mr. Joudeh Shaker, Secretary General of the Lebanese Olympic Committee; and Mr. Rachid Nassar, President of the Sports Journalists Association. Also present were prominent national athletes including Mr. Hassan Maatouk, Captain of the Lebanese National Football Team; Mr. Kassem El Zein, Captain of Nejmeh Sporting Club; and Mr. Hassan Chaito, Captain of Safa Sporting Club. Representatives from the Lebanese Army, Internal Security Forces, General Security, and Customs were also in attendance, alongside several members of the Olympic Committee and renowned media professionals.
The ceremony concluded with a celebratory dinner, where students, faculty, guests, and sports professionals mingled and reflected on the accomplishments of the season. The ambiance was marked by unity and pride, reminding everyone that sports represent a journey of character, resilience, and shared achievement.
