Under the Patronage of the Lebanese Minister of Sports and Youth Mr. Mohammad Fneish, the Office of Student Affairs (SAO) at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) hosted on September 22, 2018, the International Day of University Sport (IDUS), an event proclaimed by UNESCO.
The objective of IDUS is to create a link between NDU and its local community, focusing around sports, physical activity, and healthy living. The IDUS falls in the framework of a multidisciplinary educational project, insisting on the need for physical and sport education programs, sports facilities, and scientific studies in universities. Its purpose is to foster social inclusion, minorities, integration, and anti-doping while combating non-communicable diseases and encouraging the current development of scientific research in the field of physical education and sport. The program also considers the acquisition and transfer of knowledge as well as social and economic policy at the local, national, and international levels.
The event featured many sports activities: Streetball Competition with three categories (Women Open Age, Men Over 18, and NDU Clubs & Societies), Tennis “Play & Stay”, Fitness Challenges in addition to entertainment, food courts, and an All-Star Streetball Game.
In attendance were heads of municipalities, representatives from different Lebanese sports federations, managers of sports clubs, media sports personnel, prominent athletes, such as Charles Bardawil, Georges Bardawil, Jimmy Salem, Mark Kozah, Miguel Martinez, Nancy Maalouf, Patrick Bou Abboud, Patrick Saba, Ray Bassil, Rebecca Akl, Silvio Chiha, and Yasser El Hajj as well as, faculty, staff, and students.
The event host, Joelle Basbous welcomed the participants and audience, and gave an overview of this unique event.
For his part, Dean of Students at NDU Dr. Charbel Zgheib said, “We, as a university, seek to create a safe environment conducive to the development of our children. Our goal is to build bridges between the University and local communities, and to foster a sporting spirit as well as sportsmanship among players, team officials, and spectators; thereby, inspiring ethics, respect, and values.”
Dr. Youssef Bassam, representing Lebanese Minister of Sports and Youth Mohammad Fneish, said, “Sports has proven to be an effective way to develop and promote a society in various areas, it is good for the mind, body, and spirit. It can be quite a surprise to learn how sports can help build strength and help players discover hidden talents and untapped abilities.”
A streetball match between the “All-Stars”(Charles Bardawil, Jimmy Salem, Mark Kozah, Nancy Maalouf, Patrick Bou Abboud, Rebecca Akl, and Silvio Chiha,) was also played. Appreciation Awards were distributed to the “All-Stars”, and to Georges Bardawil, Miguel Martinez, Ray Bassil, Patrick Saba, and Yasser El Hajj. Dr. Youssef Bassam also received a token of appreciation to thank the Minister of Youth & Sports for his support.
Winners of the competitions were as follows:
Streetball Men above 18 Winners - “Angry Rats” Team
Shady Dib
Rabih Dib
Georges Yves Daaboul
Brent Ragsdale
Streetball Men above 18 - 1st Runner up - “JJM” Team
Julien Khaweja
Michael Nar
Anthony Saliba
Jimmy Salem
Streetball Women Open Age Category - Winners “Hayalla” Team
Karina Jallouk
Petra Zgheib
Matilda Khalil
Christie Saad
Streetball Women Open Age Category- 1st Runner up “Ballers” Team
Stephanie atallah
Sophie Azzi
Maria Attieh
Tia Obeid
Streetball NDU Clubs & Societies Category - Winner “Social Club”
Elias Abi Farah
Georges Karam
Elie Hobeika
George Slaybe
Streetball NDU Clubs & Societies Category - 1st Runner up “ASME”
Joey Challita
Sergio Silo
Jawad Hawa
Elie Azzi
Fitness Competition
1. Winner of Box Jumps Men: Roland Yacoubian
2. Winner of Plank Men: Sylvester Rahme
3. Winner of Push Ups Men: Roland Yacoubian
4. Winner of Box Jumps Women: Maguy Demerjian
5. Winner of Push Ups Women: Matilda Khalil
6. Winner of Plank Women: Maya Kardahi
#letsIDUS was the worldwide hashtag used throughout the event.