São Paulo – The Brazil-Lebanon Chamber of Commerce (CCBL) launched on Wednesday (17) the 2011 Beirut International Marathon Mission to promote the competition in the Lebanese capital, scheduled for November 27. The even has been promoted every year since 2003. The delegation of 40 people travelling from Brazil to Lebanon should go beyond the race, and will be in the nation from November 19th to 27th.
The secretary/director at CCBL, Guilherme Mattar, stated that the main objective of the mission is integration. “The promotion of this marathon is a form of integration between people in the streets of Lebanon. Our mission also offers participants the opportunity of entering places and re-establishing the connections of their families and the country,” said Mattar, who is also the joint Foreign Relations secretary of the City of São Paulo.
CCBL has been organising the mission since 2004, when 240 people travelled from Brazil to participate in the event. According to Mattar, most of the participants are Lebanese or of Lebanese descent. Any person, however, may travel with the group. He says that it is not an event promoted just for professional athletes. There is also no minimum or maximum age for participation in the trip.
The CEO at the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, Michel Alaby, participated in the CCBL’s event for release of the mission, on Wednesday (17). To him, it is an opportunity for people of Lebanese descent to visit the land of their forefathers. “It is a chance for them to learn about the beauty and culture of the country,” he said.
Those participating will leave Brazil on November 18th and should return on the 28th. The flight will be operated by Turkish Airlines, from Guarulhos to Istanbul, in Turkey, and from there on to Beirut. On the way back, the flight leaves Beirut to Istanbul, and then on to Brazil. Packages range from US$ 3.550 to US$ 9,200 per person, with flights in economy or executive class and with different view and finishing options in rooms.
Apart from the air fare and stay at Hotel Intercontinental Phoenicia, the packages also include assistance at the airports, breakfast at the hotel, a Portuguese or Spanish guide in the outings, tickets to the sites to be visited and bus transport. The packages do not include the visa, personal expenses, services or outings in free time, hotel meals (except for breakfast) or meals during the outings. The package also includes medical-hospital coverage. Those interested should reserve a place up to September 10th. Further information may be obtained from the CCBL, tel.: (+55 11) 3262-1610.
*Translated by Mark Ament
