Lebanon’s leading environmental NGO, SWIM Lebanon (Sustainable Waste Intercity Marathon), marks four years this month since it held its very first pilot event in Amchit. It was humble in scale: just 28 swimmers and 19 cleanup volunteers, but ambitious in spirit. That day was our test: could we coordinate a swimming and cleanup initiative in parallel, with the hope of one day organising something bigger? It worked. Not just as an event, but as a spark.

By Nabil AouadLater that year (October 2021), we tested another dream that would stay with us: Island to Summit. Alongside Avedis Kalpaklian - mountaineer, triathlete and Founder of Summit Souls and International Mountain guide - and Lindos Daou, mountaineer, triathlete and associate professor at USEK University, I set out on a symbolic journey: a sunrise swim at Rabbit Island (5,5 km off the Lebanese shore).

This was followed by a sunset on Qornet el Sawda at an altitude of 3,088 meters: a solo challenge that tested our limits and set the tone for everything that followed — resilience, reflection, and a profound respect for our land.

This year, when the founders of @togetherlibeirut asked us what we were preparing for our next collaboration, we didn’t hesitate: it had to be Island to Summit. But this time, it would not be a solo experience. It would be open to relay teams, allowing many more to share in the adventure and its purpose.

A special mention goes to three outstanding solo athletes who brought power, humility, and inspiration to this journey: Lindzy Nader, architect, triathlete, and founder of ProFit Lb,  Ali al Zohbi, Army triathlete and head coach at ProFit Lb, and his remarkable 13-year-old son, who performed like a true champion. Their discipline, resilience, and unwavering spirit elevated the challenge far beyond a physical feat.

The presence of the Lebanese Army was also a profound source of pride. Their officers and soldiers — deeply connected to the land they defend — reminded us that service takes many forms. Whether through arms or sports, they embody dedication, unity, and strength.

Their participation was not only symbolic but transformative: what was initially planned as a sunrise-to-sunset relay turned into a sunrise-to-noon challenge, thanks to their incredible speed and teamwork. They even arrived on time for lunch!

Given the risks we face at sea — and especially on our roads — we are also grateful for the presence of the civil defence team, whose support provided a critical layer of safety throughout the event.

Then there’s Roddy — the passionate cameraman and storyteller who not only documented every moment but often ran ahead of the athletes to capture a fleeting second. He didn’t just film the challenge — he became part of it. We’re grateful to count him among our growing community.

At the very heart of this event were the athletes themselves. These individuals are more than runners, swimmers, or climbers — they are the living embodiment of SWIM’s mission: to spread awareness, to show respect for nature, and to prove that personal endurance can become a tool for environmental and social change. These are not just participants — they are our ambassadors.

For those unfamiliar with SWIM’s entry fee to these events, it’s not money. It’s something far more valuable: humility. Every participant must collect four large bags (each 90 litres) of trash from the beach. This isn’t just symbolic — it’s a foundational act. It sets the tone for others who watch and learn from it.

Just as there’s no athletic gain without sweat, there’s no environmental future without action. Our version of “no pain, no gain” is: no cleanup today means no future for our children tomorrow.

First and foremost, I must pay tribute to my partner in this journey — my cofounder and the heartbeat behind SWIM — Lisa Sofian. Through her communication skills, her intuitive ability to seize every opportunity, and her unwavering belief in people, Lisa helped turn SWIM from an idea into a movement. A movement free from external funding or political affiliation. A movement built solely on willpower, community, and belief.

To every participant who joined us at dawn on Al-Baqar Island and pushed forward through the blazing sun until the summit: you showed us what courage looks like. Your spirit and commitment made this event what it became.

Four years ago, this was a personal dream. Today, it’s a shared reality. A wave of change. Thank you for helping us build it, live it, and protect it together.

FYI: Island to Summit is a symbolic and physically demanding eco-challenge that begins at sea level and climbs to Lebanon’s highest peak — Qornet el Sawda. It embodies SWIM’s mission: to raise awareness, celebrate the resilience of nature, and inspire change by reconnecting people with Lebanon’s landscapes — from coastal waters to alpine heights.

Nabil Aouad is the founder of the SWIM Initiative. He holds a PhD in building construction and is an Energy Specialist.