Lebanese alpine skier Manon Ouaiss attends a press conference held by the Lebanese Ski Federation on the eve of departure to China for the Beijing Winter Olympics, in Beirut, Lebanon, on Jan. 31, 2022. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)
Taking part in the Beijing Winter Olympics is a great opportunity to put Lebanon on the map of international sports, a Lebanese ski player said.
BEIRUT, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese ski players expressed on Monday their enthusiasm and excitement about their upcoming participation in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics scheduled for Feb. 4 to 20.
"I feel very excited and can't wait to get there. I'm very proud that all the hard work and effort paid off and we were able to qualify for the Olympic Games," Lebanese alpine skier Cesar Arnouk told Xinhua.
Arnouk said participating in the Olympic Games is a great opportunity to put Lebanon on the map of international sports.
Lebanese alpine skiers Manon Ouaiss (L) and Cesar Arnouk (R) attend a press conference with Lebanese Ski Federation President Freddy Keyrouz (C) on the eve of their departure to China for the Beijing Winter Olympics, in Beirut, Lebanon, on Jan. 31, 2022. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)
"It's a way to prove that we can compete on the highest levels," he noted.
Manon Ouaiss, another Lebanese alpine skier, said she is excited and honored to feel the atmosphere of the Olympics as it is not only a sports event but embodies core values such as friendship, respect and discipline.
"Sport is way more than body qualities. It is also about will, mind, dedication, and sacrifices. I am really excited to meet people from around the world, sharing the same passion and having the same values," she told Xinhua.
President of the Lebanese Ski Federation Freddy Keyrouz (1st R) and players Cesar Arnouk (1st L), Manon Owaiss (3rd R) celebrate after a press conference on the eve of three Lebanese skiers' departure to China for the Beijing Winter Olympics, in Beirut, Lebanon, on Jan. 31, 2022. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)
The athletes made the remarks on the sideline of a press conference held by the Lebanese Ski Federation on the eve of their departure to China.
Emphasizing the meaning of Lebanon's participation in the Olympic Games, Lebanese Ski Federation President Freddy Keyrouz noted that the Olympic Games will motivate the future generations to continue with the winter sports.
Lebanon will send three alpine skiers to compete in the the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. ■
