The Knesset's Education and Sports Committee, chaired by MK Simon Davidson, convened today (Monday) on the issue of outstanding athletes in the IDF.
This is the first time in at least a decade that a discussion has taken place on the military service of outstanding athletes in the Knesset.
The discussion was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Defense (Head of MITB and ACA), former European Champion Alex Shtilov, many outstanding athletes who have recently been released, as well as those currently serving in the IDF and their parents.
MK Simon Davidson opened the debate: 'This issue is in my blood.
These are processes in the military that have harmed hundreds of athletes over the years.
Sitting here next to Alex Shtilov, who put the State of Israel on the map in the field of artistic gymnastics, is the European Champion.
The first time he asked to be recognized as an athlete, he was denied. "
"He postponed his enlistment twice to get the status of an active athlete, even then, in the first six months of his service he had to miss a lot of training because of the job he got in the army. The athletes whose goal is to continue their sporting activities depend on the whims of the commanders. It does not make sense. "As a person who was chairman of the swimming association, I have experienced such cases personally. I will not forget a case of swimmer Dennis Loktov who missed the European Championships to do a week of abtash."
"The problem is that in order to get the status of an athlete, you have to be very good and even excel already at the age of 16 in every sport. There are sports that at this age are just beginning to blossom and reach a peak at the age of 21. We lose so many athletes."
Former European champion Alex Shtilov addressed the committee: "When considering whether to recognize an athlete, look at his achievements up to the age of 18. I had no achievement until the age of 18.
My application for an active athlete was denied twice.
Only for the third time was it approved.
As an athlete you depend on luck, on which commander you fall and how considerate he is, need to change that.
Every athlete will be happy to do a significant service. '
Colonel Alon succeeds Rosh Meitav: "It is important to note that these days we are considering establishing a separate center for athletes only.
In addition in the coming year we are returning the teachers-soldiers program.
The program currently has about 50 standards, we would be happy to increase the program beyond that, we are not the barrier in this regard.
We work together with the Sports Director to create another status for athletes - "Olympic Athlete".
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