Michael embarked on a different type of adventure when he registered his second world record on June 8, 2014 by climbing to the top of the Iconic Raouche Rock (90 degrees elevation) located in the heart of Beirut Coast. After three months of training with the Lebanese Army Special Forces Rangers; Michael was able to complete his mission in forty minutes and planted the Lebanese flag on top of the Raouche Rock as an emblem of his achievement.
Throughout this climb, Michael overcame his personal obstacle by successfully fulfilling the risky challenge, as a part of his 'Defying Disability to the Top’ awareness campaign to highlight the importance of saving the Lebanese coast, the environment and marine creatures from abuse and pollution on World Oceans Day 2014. "Defying disability to the top" awareness campaign ran under the patronage of Lebanese Armed Forces Commander, General Jean Kahwagi and supported by the Delegation of the European Union to Lebanon represented by ambassador Angelina Eichhorst; in collaboration with the Municipality of Beirut, the Syndicate of Physical Therapy and the Operation Big Blue Association.
Michael chose to support PolyLiban, the NGO that is sharing with him same mission and values: Going beyond the limits, pushing personal boundaries, endurance, responsible and positive attitude.
Throughout this climb, Michael overcame his personal obstacle by successfully fulfilling the risky challenge, as a part of his 'Defying Disability to the Top’ awareness campaign to highlight the importance of saving the Lebanese coast, the environment and marine creatures from abuse and pollution on World Oceans Day 2014. "Defying disability to the top" awareness campaign ran under the patronage of Lebanese Armed Forces Commander, General Jean Kahwagi and supported by the Delegation of the European Union to Lebanon represented by ambassador Angelina Eichhorst; in collaboration with the Municipality of Beirut, the Syndicate of Physical Therapy and the Operation Big Blue Association.
Michael chose to support PolyLiban, the NGO that is sharing with him same mission and values: Going beyond the limits, pushing personal boundaries, endurance, responsible and positive attitude.
Message
On this day, people from all around Lebanon gathered to watch him accomplish this extraordinary climb. Advocating for the protection of the Lebanese coast, the environment and marine creatures, Michael sent out an inspirational message to the Lebanese people from the top of the rock “I chose the Iconic Raouche Rock because it is a Lebanese eternal landmark which unified us as a people”.
Going beyond his limits through pushing personal boundaries, endurance, and responsibility; he climbed with his heart and two arms holding the Lebanese Flag, the symbol that unites all Lebanese people, for raising awareness on water pollution and marine life threats, and for reinforcing the idea that “With faith and determination, there is nothing impossible”.
Going beyond his limits through pushing personal boundaries, endurance, and responsibility; he climbed with his heart and two arms holding the Lebanese Flag, the symbol that unites all Lebanese people, for raising awareness on water pollution and marine life threats, and for reinforcing the idea that “With faith and determination, there is nothing impossible”.
Michael Haddad, paralyzed from the chest down, climbed to the top of the Raouche Rock in Beirut on Sunday June 8 2014.
Under the watchful eye of Lebanese military personnel, Haddad reached the top of the rock in 40 minutes. Once at the top, and after raising the Lebanese flag, he spoke to his audience that gathered by the Beirut corniche.
“I chose the Raouche Rock as it is a symbol unifying us as a people,” he announced through a microphone.
In preparation for the climb, Haddad trained with Lebanese elite military forces for three months. His climb was organized to raise awareness on the environmental threats to Lebanon’s natural landscape and wildlife.
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