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On July 13, 2009, approximately 7,000 Jewish athletes from 65 countries around the globe will participate in the grand opening of the 18th Maccabiah Games. Over the following twelve days they will focus every ounce of their energy on putting their athletic skills to the ultimate test. For many, this will be the culmination of many years of support, private training, and financial investment on the part of their parents.
Itamar Levy
But for Itamar Levy, a talented 17 year-old discus thrower, the path to the Maccabiah (and hopefully to the 2012 London Olympics afterwards), has most certainly not been paved in gold. Like his fellow athletes in the Hadassah Neurim Sports Program, Itamar came from a background of disadvantage and marginalization. The one thing he knew he was good at was sports, but he had no way of developing his skills without serious training and sport facilities. Itamar's life turned around when he joined the Hadassah Neurim Educational Youth Village and was accepted into the Village's special Sports Program. Today, Itamar is getting the attention he needs in order to overcome his learning difficulties and is on his way to obtaining a high school diploma. "For me, sports has become a means to express and excel in my strengths, rather than sink in my weaknesses" says Itamar, adding "The Hadassah Neurim Sports Program has taken me to new heights".
The Jewish Agency Hadassah Neurim Sports Program, assisted by Keren Hayesod – UIA donors all over the world, takes acutely disadvantaged youth who are considered at real risk of dropping out of normative mainstream frameworks – and gives them the opportunity of a lifetime. The program provides a highly supportive and nurturing training and educational framework, where the individual social, educational and sports needs of each youth is met.
Gadi Ohayon
Twenty year-old Gadi Ohayon, Hadassah Neurim Sport Program graduate, hold's an Israeli long-jump record of 7.4 m. He has represented Israel in World and European Championships and is now looking forward to competing in the 18th Maccabiah. As a student, Gadi talked about the Hadassah Neurim program as a dream come true. "The coaches, the teachers, everyone at Hadassah Neurim pushes for us to succeed. It is an amazing feeling."
Anattoli Minyenko
Anatoly Minyenko, today a long-jump athlete, made aliyah from Kazakstan as a young child, settling in Afula with his family in 1997. After joining the Hadassah Neurim Sports Program, he became Israel's long-jump Youth Champion. Anatoli says sports made a human-being of him, it gave him purpose and discipline. When other kids of his age and background were roaming the streets and getting involved in crime, he was representing Israel in World Championships. Today, he has completed his army service and is training to compete in the 2012 Olympics.
A total of twoelve Hadassah Neurim athletes will be representing the State of Israel at the 2009 Maccabiah Games. Keren Hayesod – UIA wishes all Maccabiah participants great success, but we hold a special place in our hearts for our Hadassah Neurim athletes.
For informationon on medals won by the above Hadassah Neurim athletes at the 18th Maccabiah, please click here
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