25 Feb. 2016 – Beirut Marathon Association organized a press conference on Wednesday 24th of February in Clemenso, to announce the launching of the second edition of Bankmed Youth Race 2016 that will be held on April 10.
The Youth race is organized especially for the young generation, to discover their talents and encourage them to chose an adequate lifestyle.
What differentiates the Bankmed Youth Race from the Athletics competitions that are held throughout the year and organized by the Lebanese Federation, is that the Youth Race is open to everyone! Which creates an opportunity to discover new talents and guide them to train with clubs to then take part in the Federation’s competitions and championships.
In this second edition, BMA added new initiatives to aspire and inspire the youth: The Move for Good initiative that was also organized before the BDL Marathon, will now be given by inspiring youth elite athletes to the young amateur runners.
On the other hand, “Donate Your Running Shoes” is another new concept created by BMA, which allows the runners to donate their running shoes to other who may be in need of it. This idea was a successful one last year when 648 shoes were donated to young runners.
The third main idea is the “Idols”, or role models, who will meet the young athletes to encourage them, share their experiences and give them some advice for their sports career.
Five Idols were selected: Chirine NJEIM who is the first Lebanese woman to ever qualify for the Summer Olympic Games, and the first to participate in both the Winter and Summer Games. Silvio CHIHA, the Asian Champion in Water Ski, the Basketball star Elie ROUSTOM, the Singer Ragheb ALAMA, and finally, Mona FRANSIS the champion of Special Needs!
May KHALIL ended the press conference by presenting “Melanie FREIHA’s Award” that will be given to the first female athlete in the 5km. It is a great gesture to commemorate the champion Melanie FREIHA who hold the Youth Record in 2000 meters Steeplechase and who used to take part in the 5km Races of the Beirut Marathon.
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