Around 150 children and youth from the Shatila Camp and around 35 from the Nahr el-Bared Camp, sporting matching t-shirts provided with generous support from UNICEF and the Permanent Peace Movement, filed onto buses chartered by CYC early on a beautiful Sunday morning.

Before long, they arrived at the Biel district of Beirut, where the spent a joyful day partaking in various activities surrounding the Beirut Marathon.

In addition to attending the festivities surrounding the event, many of these young Palestinian and Syrian refugees took part in a five kilometer race, held in conjunction with the longer race.

It was a happy occasion, with kids and CYC facilitators running hand-in-hand, while waving the Palestinian flag as well as a flag bearing CYC’s logo.

As the children and youth crossed the finish-line they were greeted with cheers and applause by bystanders and presented with new backpacks as well as medals by the event’s coordinators.

The Marathon’s motto was “Run for Lebanon,” and it was emphasized throughout the day that the event was about  promoting peace for all. This message certainly resonated with these youngsters.

It was a day of fun and pride and its memories will surely remain with all who participated.

Two large busloads of Palestinian and Syrian refugee children descended on the Biel district of Beirut for a pre-Marathon celebration on Friday.

The celebration began with a stimulating art activity, facilitated by the Beirut-based “I Leaf Art” organization.

The children painted and drew with skill, producing an array of creative pictures.

Following this activity, one group of younger children and another group in their teens showed off their dance moves, in performances of traditional dabke dances.

The groups had been rehearsing for this day for weeks and their practice certainly paid off, as their performances were stunning.

The energy and charisma of these dancers was truly inspiring. It was a spectacular night all around.