Beirut, Lebanon – July 22, 2025 — Demonstrating the powerful intersection of sport, philanthropy, and civic engagement, Kelna Ayleh, in partnership with Courts and LBCI, and proudly powered by Spinneys, successfully hosted the second edition of its “Padel for a Cause” Tournament on July 5, 6, and 20, 2025. This landmark event marked a milestone for Lebanon, registering as the largest padel tournament ever held in the country, and rallying support for a cause that lies at the heart of community well-being.
More than 130 padel enthusiasts competed over the first two weekends in an atmosphere of spirited rivalry and social purpose, with the tournament culminating on July 20 in a grand finale at the Soumaya Slim Stadium in Bickfaya, attended by over 720 spectators.
Uniting Sport and Social Impact
The tournament was conceived as part of Kelna Ayleh’s ongoing fundraising initiatives to support its expanding healthcare mission. Proceeds from the event will directly contribute to the establishment of the NGO’s third primary healthcare center in Beirut, following the successful implementation of its first two centers in Sekyet El Misk and Adma, both developed in partnership with Hôtel-Dieu de France.
“Our mission goes far beyond the games played on the court,” said Dr. Karine Gemayel, Founder and President of Kelna Ayleh. As she narrated one of the most important mission that the NGO took upon itself when “we took in more than 450 families from Debel, Ein Ebel and Rmesih during that recent war on Lebanon in September 2024” she explained how with little means the team of the NGO was able to provide the needs to all the families that fled the aggression making a home for them that kept them warm, safe and most importantly that preserved their dignity.
She continued to focus on the importance of this fundraising event as she stressed on the importance of raising funds and directing it the vulnerable families in a creative, unique, humble manner as this reflects the values and spirit of the NGO, “We are building access to quality healthcare where it’s most needed and doing so by bringing communities together—through sport, solidarity, and purpose.”
A Grand Closing Ceremony of Celebration and Unity
The final event on July 20 was a celebration of both athletic excellence and social responsibility. The ceremony commenced with a moving acapella rendition of the Lebanese National Anthem, performed by acclaimed singer Carla Chamoun. This was followed by an inspiring welcoming address by Dr. Gemayel, who outlined the breadth of Kelna Ayleh’s humanitarian work across 15 social centers nationwide, delivering services in healthcare, education, food security, and livelihood support.
Dr. Gemayel extended her heartfelt thanks to the event’s generous sponsors, who contributed not only financial donations but also a diverse range of valuable prizes, including: Fine jewelry, Padel sports, equipment, Coffee machines, Vespas and International travel packages
Their support amplified the event’s impact and rewarded the participants for their dedication and competitive spirit.
Star-Studded Exhibition Game Draws National Attention
One of the tournament’s highlights was a highly anticipated celebrity exhibition match, featuring Lebanese superstar Ragheb Alama and MP Samy Gemayel facing off against popular comedian Farid Hobeiche (Farixtube) and Lebanese rally champion Abdo Feghali. The match added a festive flair and drew national attention to the event, reinforcing the message that public figures can help elevate causes that matter.
Also in attendance was Mr. Mohamad El Yamman, Head of the Lebanese Padel Federation, alongside numerous public figures, civil society activists, media representatives, and devoted fans—all united in their support for the cause.
Celebrating Champions and Community
The tournament concluded with a spirited awards ceremony, as winners in each category were honored with trophies and a host of generous prizes. Cheers, applause, and a sense of shared accomplishment filled the venue, signaling not just the end of a tournament, but the continuation of a movement for positive change.