Running for Peace

My friend Kevin Carroll introduced the phrase "sport for social change" to me a few years ago and it has opened my eyes to the power of sport to inspire positive change in our world.

This power is evident in a story I read today about Lebanese students uniting to run for peace in Lebanon. For nearly two years, Lebanon has been besieged by a political crisis. Thousands of athletes ran in two races to promote the unification of the Lebanese people.

"We have here all religions and races," said Jinan Mantash, an 18-year-old participant in the 5-kilometer race who won her age bracket. "Because children and youth are the new generations, now that they have united in this event they will learn when they grow up that a united Lebanon is a must. It feels great to work for Lebanon."

To read more on these inspiring students, click here.