Jerusalem - The second edition of the “Jerusalem Throwdown 2026” functional fitness competition concluded at Al-Istiqlal University, with proceeds allocated to support cancer patients at Augusta Victoria Hospital (Al-Muttala‘) in Jerusalem, coinciding with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
In a statement, BMAQ said its support for the event forms part of its efforts to encourage Palestinian youth-led initiatives that combine sporting creativity with social responsibility and harness sports to serve humanitarian causes, particularly by supporting cancer patients in Jerusalem.
The Agency noted that the initiative reflects its continued commitment, under the guidance of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, to supporting the resilience of Jerusalemites and their institutions, with particular attention to the most vulnerable and those in urgent need of assistance.
The second edition of the competition, organised by Jerusalemites Fadi Al-Waari and Mahmoud Sharaf under the slogan “From the Land of History, Legends Are Made”, brought together 220 athletes from Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Palestinian territories occupied in 1948, alongside more than 12 participants from outside Palestine.
Organiser Fadi Al-Waari said that allocating part of the event’s proceeds to support cancer patients reflects a strong sense of social responsibility. He added that holding the competition in October aligns with breast cancer awareness campaigns and highlights the need to assist patients travelling from the West Bank and Gaza Strip to Jerusalem for treatment, some of whom lack insurance coverage to meet the costs.
Al-Waari explained that the event is funded through athletes’ registration fees and contributions from supporting companies and institutions, including BMAQ. It also provides a platform for local small businesses to showcase their products and connect with the public.
He added that BMAQ’s support had helped develop the competition and raise its organisational and professional standards. The organisers aspire to establish it as a major Palestinian sporting event that attracts participants from across Palestine and beyond, while showcasing Jerusalem’s identity throughout.
Co-organiser Mahmoud Sharaf said that allocating part of the proceeds to cancer patients at Augusta Victoria Hospital reflected Palestinian youth’s sense of social responsibility and commitment to their community.
He added that BMAQ’s support empowers young people to turn their ideas into tangible initiatives and encourages them to develop projects that bring sport and humanitarian action together.
Sharaf expressed his gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the Agency for their support for Jerusalemite and Palestinian youth, affirming the organisers’ pride in Morocco’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem.
Osaid Warda, an athlete from Al-Barrio Academy who took first place in the competition, expressed his delight at the achievement. He noted that dedicating part of the proceeds to cancer patients gave the event a humanitarian dimension, underscoring the importance of supporting patients and standing by them.
Samir Ghanem, who finished second, said that the opportunity to support cancer patients had been a key motivation for his participation. He called for continued solidarity with patients and sustained efforts to ensure they receive the care and support they need.
The “Jerusalem Throwdown” reflects the city’s rich heritage in every aspect of its design. From the entrance and the medals and trophy to the event names and visual displays, its various elements draw inspiration from Jerusalem’s walls, gates and historic landmarks, introducing participants and spectators to the city’s history and distinctive identity.
Beyond the competitions, the two-day event offers a programme for the whole family, featuring a marketplace for brands and local businesses, a children’s area, dedicated spaces for athletes and recovery, as well as performances and interactive activities. The event thus brings together sport, the celebration of Jerusalem’s identity and support for local initiatives.
