The Ambassador of Italy to the Lebanon, Nicoletta Bombardiere, awarded the honour ofKnight of the Order of the Star of Italy to May al Khalil, founder and President of the Beirut Marathon Association, in recognition of her contribution to the development and promotion of sport as an instrument for prosperity and resilience of the Lebanese society.
The motivation of the important award reads as follows: “May al Khalil embodies a model of commitment and perseverance. She has been able, through sport, to create opportunities for younger generations and reach out to the various communities in the Lebanon. A story of professional success, personal courage and public engagement.”
During the ceremony Ambassador Bombardiere stressed that “sport is not only an instrument for physical health, but also for mental well-being, moral education and national reconciliation.”
