In an evening that mixed pride and deep affection with a spirit of loyalty and belonging, the Al-Mina Australia Association honored a select group of natives from the Lebanese city of Al-Mina who have left notable marks in the world of sport. The tribute recognized their rich records of achievement and service, and their contributions to raising the profile of their city and Lebanon at various sporting events.Al-Mina Australia Association held the ceremony on Friday evening, bringing together a number of athletes, coaches and referees from Al-Mina. The event reflected the association’s commitment to celebrating outstanding talent and honoring those whose accomplishments helped establish the city’s presence in the sporting arena.The recognition underscored sport’s importance as an educational and humanitarian message that goes beyond competition and trophies. Sport helps build character and reinforces the values of discipline, respect, perseverance and sportsmanship, while encouraging younger generations to follow successful role models and continue the tradition of excellence.Prominent official and community attendanceThe event was attended by the Mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown, Mr. Bilal Hayek, municipal council members Saud Abu Al-Samman and Hadi Saleh, and the President of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC), Dr. Rateb Jneid, along with several official, social and media figures and a large number of Al-Mina residents and friends of the association.The ceremony was hosted by Mr. Alaa Turkmani and Hajj Mohammad Habib. The evening opened with the playing of the Australian and Lebanese national anthems, a moment that reflected the deep ties between the Lebanese community and both their homeland and Australia.Hajj Mohammad Habib delivered a speech outlining the history and journey of Al-Mina Australia Association, highlighting its role in serving the city’s people, strengthening communication and solidarity among them, and building bridges of cooperation and affection between Al-Mina’s residents in Australia and Lebanon.Khaled Al-Masri: Sport is a school of ethics and nation-buildingIn his remarks, Khaled Al-Masri, president of Al-Mina Australia Association, recalled Al-Mina’s heritage and proud history, emphasizing the shared values of loyalty, mutual support and belonging that unite its people, no matter how far apart they may be.Al-Masri praised the pivotal role coaches play in developing athletes and honing their talents, stressing that their responsibility goes beyond improving technical skills and winning—coaches also shape character and instill values of ethics, respect, discipline and responsibility.He emphasized that sport is a comprehensive school for preparing future generations and that true success is not measured only by the number of trophies and medals, but by the positive impact athletes and coaches leave on society.He also highlighted the importance of nurturing young talents, supporting those who achieve, and strengthening ties of love and cooperation between Al-Mina’s residents at home and abroad.Al-Masri reiterated that the association’s doors will remain open to all people from Al-Mina and the wider community—especially talented and outstanding individuals—based on the association’s belief that any success by a member of the city is a source of pride for everyone.Bilal Hayek praises the role of sport and cooperation with the associationMayor Bilal Hayek expressed pride in his previous visit to Al-Mina, praising its rich history and strong social bonds.Hayek stressed sport’s role in enhancing community cohesion, developing youth abilities, and solidifying positive values. He emphasized the need to support athletes and acknowledge their achievements and contributions to their communities.He also noted the close cooperation between Canterbury-Bankstown Council and Al-Mina Australia Association, revealing work on a project that will benefit Al-Mina and its people.This cooperation reflects the importance of ongoing communication between local institutions in Australia and community initiatives linked to Lebanon, helping to strengthen relationships and develop opportunities for joint work.Words that reflect loyalty and belongingDr. Rateb Jneid, president of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC), delivered a speech in English addressing the humanitarian and social dimensions of the occasion and what honoring achievers means in terms of appreciation, loyalty and strengthening community bonds.Hajj Talal Saifo, the association’s public relations officer, recalled friendships with figures such as Sheikhan Talal Awad and a number of athletes from Al-Mina, evoking shared memories and relationships founded on love, respect and pride in the city’s sporting history.Honoring names who left their mark on sportThe highlight of the evening was honoring the athletes, coaches and referees who contributed to developing several sports and left distinctive marks in competition, coaching and officiating.The list of honorees included:– Ahmad al-Haris – Swimming – Yahya Sabba – Judo – Samir Nikro – Volleyball – Mohammad Habib – Table Tennis – Jamal Qandil – Volleyball – Mustafa Bzari – Gymnastics – Salah Haddad – Football – Khidr Yaghi – Refereeing – Mahmoud Awad – Kyokushin – Abdullah Ahmad – CyclingThis recognition acknowledged the efforts and achievements of these sportspeople and appreciated their role in enriching the athletic movement and passing on their experience and values to future generations.A special tribute to athlete Samir Nikro

In an emotional gesture, Al-Mina Australia Association gave a special tribute to athlete Samir Nikro in recognition of his sports career and distinguished contributions.The association noted that he was unable to attend the ceremony due to health reasons in the Australian capital, Canberra, and extended its sincere wishes for his speedy recovery and continued health and wellbeing.This initiative embodied the spirit of loyalty the association seeks to uphold, affirming that honoring achievers is not limited to their physical presence at events but also includes standing by them and taking pride in their lifelong contributions.Commemorative plaques and an atmosphere of prideThe evening concluded with the presentation of plaques and certificates of appreciation to the honorees amid feelings of joy, pride and admiration. The scene reflected the deep bonds among Al-Mina’s people and their commitment to celebrating one another’s successes.The ceremony was more than a plaque presentation; it was an opportunity to recall bright chapters of the city’s sporting history and to document the journeys of individuals who helped elevate sport and spread its noble values.It also emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of Al-Mina’s athletic achievements and highlighting inspiring role models whose experiences can guide and motivate younger generations to pursue determination, persistence and ambition.Thanks and appreciation to supporters and contributorsAt the close of the event, Al-Mina Australia Association expressed gratitude to all the individuals, organizations and contributors who helped make the ceremony a success—through participation, organization or support.The association specially thanked the sponsors:– Muraad Coffee & Nuts – Lamisal Perfume – Ibrahim PastryIt valued their contributions to the success of an evening that carried a message of loyalty and appreciation for the city’s people.Al-Mina Australia Association… a bridge between home and the diasporaOnce again, through this initiative, Al-Mina Australia Association reaffirmed that the role of diaspora associations goes beyond organizing social events; it includes preserving collective memory, documenting achievements, strengthening identity and belonging, and building bridges of communication between generations.With every tribute to one of Al-Mina’s sons, the story is renewed of a city whose people carried its name into the diaspora, maintained their ties to their roots, and contributed through their work and achievements to keeping its presence alive in memory and sentiment.Al-Mina Australia Association… loyal to its people, proud of their achievements, and a permanent bridge linking Al-Mina’s diaspora to their roots and homeland.