Lebanon
Lebanon (لُبْنَان officially known as the Lebanese Republic) is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered by Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south, while Cyprus lies to its west across the Mediterranean Sea; its location at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Basin and the Arabian hinterland has contributed to its rich history and shaped a cultural identity of religious diversity. Lebanon is home to roughly six million people and covers an area of 10,452 square km, making it one of the smallest countries in the world. The official language of the state is Arabic, while French is also formally recognized; the Lebanese dialect of Arabic is used alongside Modern Standard Arabic throughout the country.
Open Water Swimming
THE OPEN WATER SWIM TRAVERSE is a a six-person relay team that swam from Cyprus to Batroun, Lebanon to raise awareness on plastic use and its impact on the Mediterranean Sea and the world, directed by Edwin El Bainou. The 180 km swim started on 17 October and finished 51 hours 50 minutes later on 19 October 2019. 33-year-old Soumaya Merhi (TAQA Snacks founder), 40-year-old Jad Ghosn, 36-year-old Diane Boulos, 59-year-old Mary Anne Reese Ballouz, 44-year-old May Timani, and 45-year-old Martin Mougharbil completed the first open water non-stop relay swim from Cyprus to Batroun. The crew that assisted and supported the team included filmmaker Edwin El Bainou, medical assistance Doctor Elianne Khoury, and escort pilots Adel Assal, Joseph Boulos, and Ziad Salhab with sponsorship and collaboration by Exocet Sailing, Batroun Municipality, Maroun N. Chammas Recognition Award, MTV Lebanon, Batroun Festival, LWIS School, IM Capital, Clemenceau Medical Center, and Bolero Batroun.
Open Water Swim Traverse Videos
