Sports have always been a cornerstone of our work in peace-building as its helped MARCH strengthening ties between different communities. Throughout the years, we’ve set up numerous events that have emphasized the importance of team building and more importantly, cooperation. Our football tournaments are no exception. Although this activity typically brings together mixed teams of youth from neighboring areas and takes place over the span of multiple weeks, we decided that hosting a one-day tournament between our Tripoli and Beirut tribes would be a great opportunity to allow the two groups to engage with each other. This not only challenged the geographical wall that exists between them but also helped break certain preconceived views they had of one another. After all, a little competition never hurt anybody! The experience was a huge success and untied young men from Beb El Tabbaneh, Jabal Mohsen, Chiah, Madina Al Riyadiya, Khandaq Al Ghamiq and Tarik Al Jadidah under one roof. Congrations were in order for the “Hona Beirut” team who took the trophy home.
Tag: Sports
GET TOGETHER! YOUTH CULTURAL EXCHANGE INITIATIVE
Saturday August 24th marked the second of two visits of a youth cultural exchange initiative that MARCH, in collaboration with the Jabal Sheikh Municipality Federation, had set up in an effort to promote social cohesion. The initiative was made possible through the help and support of the Dutch embassy in Lebanon. Its goal was to bring together youth from different backgrounds across Lebanon to volunteer and discuss ideas, thoughts and concerns as a means to encourage constructive dialogue and inclusivity. During a first visit to Jabal El Sheikh on July 13th, Tripoli’s youth met with the locals and were able to explore the village through an array of dynamic activities. The trip was both an educational opportunity and a chance to create friendships and bonds between the two communities. Following a successful initial exchange, Tripoli was the project’s second destination. The initiative brought together youth from various backgrounds across Lebanon. MARCH hosted a group from Jabal el Sheikh- in collaboration with Jabal el Sheikh Municipalities Federation, in addition to a group from Qana- in collaboration with the Cana Youth Association, and lastly a group from Baalbak- in collaboration with LOST, The Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training. Our visitors were welcomed by youth from Beb El Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen joined by two incredibly special guests: Dutch Ambassador in Lebanon, His Excellency Jan Waltmans and Lebanese basketball all-star Fadi El Khatib. Overall, the initiative managed to gather 130 individuals from different backgrounds across Lebanon. Upon arrival to Tripoli, the youth enjoyed a traditional local breakfast on the Abdel Wahhab Island in Mina. The meal was followed by a trip around the city which featured a tour of Tripoli’s most iconic sites. The group explored the Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles and took a walk through the old souks, accompanied by a guide who familiarized them with the city’s history and culture. The youth were also introduced to the MARCH’s mission and work in Tripoli during a pit-stop to the organization’s cultural cafe- Kahwetna. Community service was an active component of the initiative, therefore a small clean-up campaign was conducted on Syria Street. With team spirit and unity being a central theme of the visit, the day was concluded with a friendly and dynamic football tournament. This sports activity rallied the youth around their passion for the game and proved to be a powerful tool for creating and fostering common ground. This exchange has allowed the youth of Rachaya, Baalbek, Qana and Tripoli to accept their differences on the one hand, and embrace their similarities on the other as they share a number of social, economic and historical commonalities. In a country like Lebanon, where diversity is a double-edged sword, promoting mutual understanding between different communities is essential. Exposing youth to different traditions, habits and heritages is a wonderful learning experience. MARCH hopes to be able to recreate this experience between other Lebanese regions as this would help transcend stereotypes and preconceived notions of “the other”.
FOURTH EDITION OF BEB EL DAHAB’S FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT!
Under the patronage of the Brigadier Generals Yaakoub Mouawad and Elie Abi Rached, MARCH organized on Monday February 18, 2019 its 4th edition of Beb El Dahab’s football tournament. The four-day sporting event took place at Baal Al Darwish football field in Tripoli and was covered by a number of media outlets. The tournament included height unique teams consisting of youth from Beb El Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen along with a few members of the Lebanese army. They competed for the winning title, all united in their diversity. The tournament was covered by live commentator Asharaf Fayez which added a dynamic and professional spirit to the event. The last day included a friendly game led by professional local players from the Lebanese Football Association, and the big final match between the two finalists. The “Souk Al Sayyaghin” team led by Ahamad Chaaban were the winners of the long match which ended with some suspenseful and nerve-racking penalties. Check it the tournament’s video!
HONA BEIRUT FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT!
Under the patronage of the Governor of Beirut H.E, Judge Ziad Chebib, and in cooperation with the Lebanese Football Association and Right to Play Organization, MARCH organized on Monday November 12, 2018 the 1st edition of HONA BEIRUT FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT. It took place at Qasqas football fields in Beirut in the presence of the press that covered the event. The 4 days tournament included 65 individuals divided into 8 diverse teams. They competed for the title, all united in their diversity. The event gathered youth from different backgrounds and areas in Beirut. The teams mirrored Lebanon’s cultural and religious diversity. Before the final game, MARCH gathered the participants in a four-day training in collaboration with Right to Play to build their football skills and team spirit before the tournament. The last day of the 4 days tournament included artistic performances, a friendly game led by professional local players from the Lebanese Football Association, and the big final match between the two winning teams. The games on the other hand were covered by a live commentator that gave a professional spirit to the tournament.
