President Aoun, congratulating the federation for the success of the tournament and the efforts made in this regard, recalled, "Sport unites young people with honourable and moral competitive values. It instills in them a spirit of hope to achieve objectives and this is despite the current global difficulties. Finally, sport keeps them away from social evils."
The delegation thanked the President of the Republic for granting the sponsorship of the Asian and Oceania Championships, which ended on 5th December, in which more than 500 athletes and administrators from 23 countries participated . This championship was a natural meeting place for young competitors from all over the world.
At the end of the meeting, President Saade presented President Aoun with the Statue of Jigoro Kano designed by Herend Porcelain, for the unfailing support he brings to sport in general and to judo in particular. The statue was presented by Vlad Marinescu, IJF Director General, on behalf of IJF President, Marius Vizer, on the occasion of the Asia-Oceania Championships.
Francois Saade said, "I am very grateful and happy that President Marius Vizer, on behalf of the International Judo Federation, honoured the President of Lebanon with such a special gift."
President Michel Aoun, who is a big fan of the sport and was a great athlete, asked the Federation president to bring him a black belt on the occasion of his next visit, before he concluded, "I want to express my great gratitude and appreciation for the Jigoro Kano statue. Thank you to President Marius Vizer for his great interest in Lebanon. I wish continued success for the International Judo Federation, which everyone is benefitting from."
Judo in Lebanon will for sure continue to grow and develop in the upcoming years. Having the support of the President of the Republic is definitely a strong asset, which the Federation will make grow.