The football tournament of the Special Olympics association took place today in the Khodorov training complex in cooperation with the Hapoel Tel Aviv football club, which was attended by 9 teams from all over the country.
About 200 athletes / football players of various levels with special needs, cognitive or communication limitations participated in the tournament.
It should be noted that the collaboration between the club and the Special Olympics association was born with the aim of putting the athletes on the map and showing everyone how much their abilities can be reflected in a variety of situations - certainly in sports.
The senior team players, who came to see the tournament and hand out the trophies at the graduation ceremony, were also surprised by the level.
An exciting day at the Khodorov complex, Photo: Special Olympics Association
Sharon Levy Balanga, CEO of Special Olympics: "Today on the field we did not see a difference, whether the people who play are disabled or not.
We saw power.
There is equality and justice in the field.
The hope is that every football club in the country will open a special team and a combined team.
The players of Special should be the players of every club, we are just the leading body that allows the meeting.
This is the place to say thank you to Hapoel Tel Aviv for the hospitality.
I'm sure this is the beginning of a win-win collaboration.
Not only did the Special Athletes win - we all came out motivated for a fairer society. '
Hapoel Tel Aviv CEO Odelia Friedman: "The tournament held today is an important part of the club's connection to the community and the extensive activity in the field.
The activities of Special Olympics Israel correspond to the values of the club, which advocates equality and acceptance of difference.
We were happy to host the all-important tournament, which is an opening shot for a large-scale collaboration between Hapoel Tel Aviv and the association. "
Gon Tzuri, National Sports Director of Special Olympics, said: "I thank Hapoel Tel Aviv for its amazing cooperation, hoping for many more such events.
There is one message here that needs to be conveyed and that is that everyone is equal and sport is a connecting thing.
Football is a sport that knows how to give the excitement, connection and feelings that other sports have a little hard to convey.
I'm happy about this connection and it's sure it's going to be a long time coming. '
Were we wrong?
Fixed!
If you found an error in the article, we'll be happy for you to share it with us
