Cairo: Minister of Youth and Sports Gohar Nabil and Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber attended the "Cairo, Cradle of Civilization" marathon, organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports under the slogan "Egyptians' Fitness" as part of the National Physical Fitness Initiative, with the participation of 7,000 male and female runners from various age groups.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the marathon commenced at the Tenth Bridge area, traversing the Fawakhir district and the Fustat Hills, before concluding at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. The route was meticulously planned to integrate sports activity with the exhibition of Cairo's cultural and historical landmarks.
The event concluded with an award ceremony honoring the top winners, demonstrating the Ministry of Youth and Sports' ongoing efforts to foster a culture of physical activity, increase community participation, and establish sports as an integral part of daily life.
Minister Nabil expressed that the marathon serves as a reflection of the ministry's goal to promote sports participation across all societal segments and encourage physical activity as a daily routine to foster a healthier, more active community. He also highlighted the expansion of the "Egyptians' Fitness" National Physical Fitness Initiative across several governorates, boosting public engagement in sports activities.
Nabil emphasized that selecting the marathon's route through the historic Fustat area, ending at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, underscores the ministry's dedication to merging sports with the promotion of Egypt's cultural and tourism landmarks. He noted that such events help emphasize Egypt's civilizational identity, raise heritage preservation awareness, and reinforce values of fair competition and community spirit.
He commended the successful collaboration with the Cairo Governorate and other involved entities, noting their contributions to the event's dignified organization, which reflects Egypt's capability to host significant sporting events. Nabil affirmed the ministry's commitment to continue launching sports initiatives and activities targeting all age groups, in alignment with sustainable development goals and Egypt Vision 2030.
Cairo Governor Saber remarked that the marathon represents the state's dedication to expanding sports access and promoting physical activity as a lifestyle, while utilizing sporting events to showcase Cairo's historical and tourist attractions, reinforcing its identity as a city of heritage, civilization, and development. He pointed out that the participation of over 7,000 runners from different age groups indicates a growing awareness of sports' importance in promoting public health, fostering values of positivity, belonging, and teamwork.
Saber confirmed that the Cairo Governorate, in cooperation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and relevant authorities, ensured all necessary organizational, traffic, and medical arrangements were in place, facilitating the marathon's safe and well-organized execution, which garnered wide appreciation from participants and attendees. He reiterated the governorate's dedication to supporting sports and community events that help discover talents and encourage youth participation in various activities, in line with the state's vision of cultivating a healthier and more dynamic society.