"The Game is Still Lebanon's Hope" Lebanese Basketball Federation Honors Successful Coaches

At a large ceremony held in the auditorium of the Liqaa Hotel in Rabweh, the Lebanese Basketball Federation distributed certificates to those who successfully completed the Level 1 coaching course. The ceremony was attended by the First Vice President of the Asian Basketball Federation and President of the Lebanese Federation, Akram Halabi, along with the Vice President of the Arab Federation and President of Beirut Club, Nadim Hakim, and the Vice Presidents of the Lebanese Federation, Doumit Kallab, Jihad Saliba (Supervisor of the Coaches Academy), and Sami Nasser. Also present were the Secretary General, Attorney Charbel Michel Rizk, several members of the Federation's administrative committee, national coach Rizkallah Zalloum, a number of successful coaches and their families, and members of the media.

The ceremony began with the national anthem, followed by a minute of silence in mourning for the martyrs of the nation. Then, journalist Anthony Majdalani, the master of ceremonies, delivered a speech welcoming the attendees and speaking about the high level of participation in the coaching course. He highlighted the success of Lebanese basketball at both the national team and club levels, particularly in recent years under the leadership of Akram Halabi since 2018. A video showcasing the achievements of Lebanese basketball during that period was then shown.

In his speech, Akram Halabi alluded to the difficult circumstances Lebanon is facing, emphasizing the importance of awarding certificates to the coaches. He thanked the Vice President of the Federation and Supervisor of the Coaches Academy, Jihad Saliba, and his team for their efforts since the academy's inception, expressing his pride in graduating the first class of successful candidates. He affirmed that "basketball remains Lebanon's hope" and highlighted three key pillars supporting it: the Referees Academy, the Coaches Academy, and age-group championships. Halabi addressed the graduating coaches, saying, "You are at the beginning of your journey; you have Level 2 and Level 3 courses ahead of you. You can dream and achieve your dreams, and the Federation will always be with you."

Following this, Jihad Saliba delivered a speech thanking the president and members of the federation for their support of the Coaches Academy. He confirmed the success of 160 out of 240 coaches who participated in the Level 1 course, noting that Level 2 and Level 3 courses would be organized in the future. Saliba also revealed an agreement between the federation and Antonine University to offer an accredited university diploma, which will be awarded upon successful completion of the Level 3 course.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Vice President of the Federation, Doumit Kallab, and the Secretary General, Attorney Charbel Michel Rizk, presented Halabi with a commemorative plaque. Halabi and Saliba also presented a commemorative plaque to national coach Rizkallah Zalloum. Finally, the distinguished guests distributed certificates to the successful candidates.