Published TUESDAY September 30, 2025: 'Sports For Peace: Lebanon's Brave Journey' by ZUMA Press award winning photo-journalist MARWAN NAAMANI: Sport was another casualty of war in Lebanon. The Middle East's country's social fabric frayed under the weight of political divisions and economic despair. Sports offer a rare and powerful counterforce. They unite. They teach discipline, teamwork, and resilience. In the heart of Lebanon's bustling cities, in the complexities of socio-political challenges and the strains of hosting a significant refugee population, a simple yet profound tool has emerged to bridge divides and foster unity through sports. Lebanon is witnessing a new era in sports, traditionally, sports have been dominated by men, but the emergence of Lebanese women as formidable athletes is challenging entrenched beliefs regarding gender roles. Sports have proven their ability to generate jobs, tourism, foster social cohesion and even rebuild fractured communities. Around the world, countries understand that investing in sports is not a distraction from development, it's a catalyst for it. Lebanon, with its Mediterranean climate, passionate youth, and untapped talent, holds great potential for reconciliation and reconstruction through sports. Welcome to 'Sports For Peace: Lebanon's Brave Journey'.
© zReportage.com Issue #1007 Story of the Week: Published TUESDAY September 30, 2025: 'Sports For Peace: Lebanon's Brave Journey' by ZUMA Press award winning photo-journalist MARWAN NAAMANI: Sport was another casualty of war in Lebanon. The Middle East's country's social fabric frayed under the weight of political divisions and economic despair. Sports offer a rare and powerful counterforce. They unite. They teach discipline, teamwork, and resilience. In the heart of Lebanon's bustling cities, in the complexities of socio-political challenges and the strains of hosting a significant refugee population, a simple yet profound tool has emerged to bridge divides and foster unity through sports. Lebanon is witnessing a new era in sports, traditionally, sports have been dominated by men, but the emergence of Lebanese women as formidable athletes is challenging entrenched beliefs regarding gender roles. Sports have proven their ability to generate jobs, tourism, foster social cohesion and even rebuild fractured communities. Around the world, countries understand that investing in sports is not a distraction from development, it's a catalyst for it. Lebanon, with its Mediterranean climate, passionate youth, and untapped talent, holds great potential for reconciliation and reconstruction through sports. Welcome to 'Sports For Peace: Lebanon's Brave Journey'.
A participant reacts while crawling in a mud pool during the annual Hannibal endurance race northeast of Beirut. More than 1,000 Lebanese and foreign participants took part in the 8 kms-20 obstacle race. The event took place despite ongoing and unpredictable security situation in the country and the wider region that poses a significant risk. The race was previously postponed in 2024 due to the armed conflict between Israel and pro-Iranian Hezbollah.
© Marwan Naamani/ZUMA Press Wire
Participants take part in the rope course during the annual Hannibal endurance race in the town of Wata al-Jouz northeast of Beirut. The courses are uniquely designed to test mental and emotional fitness.
© Marwan Naamani/ZUMA Press Wire
A female Muslim veiled participant crawls in a mud pool during the annual Hannibal endurance race in the town of Wata al-Jouz northeast of Beirut. Lebanon is witnessing a new era in sports, traditionally, sports have been dominated by men, but the emergence of Lebanese women as formidable athletes is challenging entrenched beliefs regarding gender roles.
© Marwan Naamani/ZUMA Press Wire
Runners take part in the annual Hannibal endurance race in the town of Wata al-Jouz northeast of Beirut. Over 1,000 Lebanese and foreign participants took part in the 8 kms-20 obstacle race. The courses are uniquely designed to test mental and emotional fitness.
© Marwan Naamani/ZUMA Press Wire
A female participant crawls through a deep mud pool during the annual Hannibal endurance race in the town of Wata al-Jouz northeast of Beirut. Lebanon, with its Mediterranean climate, passionate youth, and untapped talent, holds great potential for reconciliation and reconstruction through sports.
© Marwan Naamani/ZUMA Press Wire
Men and Women participants tackle the bars while taking part in the annual Hannibal endurance race in the town of Wata al-Jouz northeast of Beirut. More than 1,000 Lebanese and foreign participants took part in the 8 kms-20 obstacle race.
© Marwan Naamani/ZUMA Press Wire
A female participant comes up for air while crawling through a deep mud pool during the annual Hannibal endurance race in the town of Wata al-Jouz northeast of Beirut. Around the world, countries understand that investing in sports is not a distraction from development, it's a catalyst for it.
© Marwan Naamani/ZUMA Press Wire
Participants on the obstacle course while taking part in the annual Hannibal endurance race in the town of Wata al-Jouz northeast of Beirut. The race was previously postponed in 2024 due to the armed conflict between Israel and pro-Iranian Hezbollah.
© Marwan Naamani/ZUMA Press Wire
Female and male Participants take an outdoor shower after competing in the annual Hannibal endurance race in the town of Wata al-Jouz northeast of Beirut. More than 1,000 Lebanese and foreign participants took part in the 8 kms-20 obstacle race. Sports have proven their ability to generate jobs, tourism, foster social cohesion and even rebuild fractured communities.
© Marwan Naamani/ZUMA Press Wire
A veiled Muslim participant and her friend prior to competing in the annual Hannibal endurance race in the town of Wata al-Jouz northeast of Beirut. More than 1,000 Lebanese and foreign participants took part in the 8 kms-20 obstacle race. The course is uniquely designed to test mental and emotional fitness.
© Marwan Naamani/ZUMA Press Wire
