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.

This Friday morning, more than 60 Palestinian and Syrian refugee children lifted their feet, raised their voices and picked up crayons and pencils in CYC’s library.

The weekly program consisted of a range of activities, including stretching, dancing, singing and drawing.

Forming a circle and joining hands, the children took turns leading the group, spontaneously entering the circle and confidently teaching their peers a new song or chant.

The activity, which followed, produced dazzling pictures. The children showed tremendous creativity with their art. Some of the more popular themes of the drawings were football matches, the Palestinian flag, and friends holding hands.

If measured by the smiles on the faces of the children participating, the day was a resounding success.