On January 11, 2024, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed at the Innovation and Sports Campus (CIS) by the presidents of USJ Sporting Club 1875, Prof. Salim Daccache SJ, and Beirut First Club, Nadim Hakim. The signing ceremony, attended by various deans, USJ officials, the Board of Directors of Beirut First Club, the Director of the USJ Sports Office, and USJ Sporting’s Secretary-General, Maroun El Khoury, along with players from both clubs, witnessed the collaboration. Representatives from the press and various media outlets were also present.

Following the national anthem and a speech by the Master of Ceremonies, Fares Karam, Hakim, and the USJ Rector took the stage to deliver their speeches.

Hakim began by emphasizing the significance of naming their club Beirut. He stated that the choice encapsulates the philosophy behind the team’s creation, symbolizing openness, love, and resilience in the face of challenges, drawing inspiration from the city’s history of overcoming wars, invasions, and earthquakes to emerge stronger each time.

Highlighting the club’s mission, Hakim expressed, “We envisioned the club as a symbol of coexistence, promoting the love of life and prioritizing national unity over divisive politics that have never served our nation well.” He emphasized their commitment to creating an institution capable of withstanding changes, driven by modern thinking, and catering to diverse age and academic groups, irrespective of gender.

Proudly acknowledging the success of both the men’s and women’s teams in securing local and Arab titles in official and friendly matches, Hakim announced the collaboration between Beirut First Club and the esteemed USJ. He outlined key points of the cooperation protocol:

1. Beirut First Club academy players will train at the USJ Sciences and Technology Campus sports complex.
2. Academy players can participate in national championships under the USJ Sporting Club 1875 banner.
3. Beirut First Club will contribute a surplus of outstanding players to bolster USJ Sporting Club 1875’s men’s and women’s teams.
4. Academic scholarships will be awarded to Beirut First Club academy players for pursuing studies at USJ.
5. Select USJ students can conduct professional training and coaching in Beirut First Club departments and teams.
6. Collaboration with the Faculty of Business Administration and Management will result in a Master in Sports Management.
7. Both clubs will join forces to organize a scientific sports conference encompassing all aspects of sports.

8. Hakim concluded by expressing gratitude to Dr. Fouad Zmokhol and the deans, extending special thanks to Prof. Daccache, the USJ Rector, for his invaluable contributions to education and sport, and appreciating Maroun el Khoury, Director of the USJ Sports Office, for his collaborative efforts in ensuring the success of the cooperation.

Prof. Salim Daccache, the President of Club 1875, extended a warm welcome to the participants as he took the stage. He underscored the significance of the cooperation protocol, emphasizing how it elevates the value of sports and enables both clubs to enhance the skills of their athletes.

Highlighting the historical connection of Club 1875 to the founding of USJ in 1875, Prof. Daccache articulated the University’s patriotic role. He emphasized the mission to instill an upright and honest personality in students, integrate them into local society and activities, and provide opportunities for sporting activities at the national level under optimal conditions. Additionally, he expressed the club’s commitment to improving administrative work in sports, participating in sports federation elections, and contributing to the promotion and organization of sports events.

Prof. Daccache proudly mentioned USJ Sporting Club 1875’s active involvement in numerous matches and affiliations with various federations. He acknowledged their success in both individual and team games, emphasizing their shared values and ambitions with Beirut First Club, a distinguished club with notable achievements in Lebanese and Arab championships. Both clubs actively committed themselves to the development of young talents, placing a particular focus on basketball, recognized as Lebanon’s top sport.

The Rector announced his recent meeting with the Basketball Federation and emphasized the commitment to collaboration, stating, “Today, we are signing an agreement with one of the most important clubs in this sport, and tomorrow we will stand alongside every federation, club, or school for the greater good of sports and youth, for the benefit of our beloved Lebanon.”

Following this statement, the protocol signing ceremony unfolded between Prof. Daccache and Hakim, drawing warm applause from the audience. In a gesture of friendship and esteem, Hakim presented Daccache with a commemorative shield, symbolizing the strong bond between the two clubs.

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Read it in Arabic توقيع بروتوكول تعاون بين ناديي 1875 وبيروت