Israeli Sailing Team Volunteers With 'Beit Al Hayam' Community
Translated & summarized from Sport5 by baba
Fifteen members of Israel's national sailing team volunteered with the "Beit Al Hayam" association in Herzliya, engaging children with special needs in surfing activities. Initiated by windsurfer Tomer Vardimon, the event aimed to foster community and highlight the reciprocal benefits of athletes contributing to society. The day concluded with a Shabbat ceremony and remarks from participants and organizers emphasizing the empowering nature of the sea and sports. The association supports various populations, including those with special needs and trauma survivors, with significant participation numbers last year.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli national sailing team members volunteered with the "Beit Al Hayam" association in Herzliya.
- The event involved surfing activities for children with special needs and their families.
- Windsurfer Tomer Vardimon initiated the volunteer day, involving the Olympic Committee of Israel.
- Olympic champion Tom Reuveni stated "Beit Al Hayam" provides strength and power to families and volunteers.
- The "Beit Al Hayam" association supports populations with special needs, veterans, and trauma survivors.
- Last year, 1,500 children, 250 families, and 450 volunteers participated in the association's activities.
Fifteen members of Israel's national sailing team participated in a volunteer day with the "Beit Al Hayam" (House on the Sea) association's community of families last Friday. The event, initiated by windsurfer Tomer Vardimon, also involved the Olympic Committee of Israel. Athletes engaged in surfing activities with children with special needs and their families, concluding with a Kabbalat Shabbat ceremony.
Vardimon, a member of the national team, has been volunteering with the association for six years, assisting with surfing activities. He sought to involve more teammates to experience the impact of working with the children and families, highlighting the role of athletes in contributing to society and the strength gained from such activities.
"As athletes, we have a responsibility and the power to influence people," Vardimon stated. "I see the strength I have as an athlete and a person, how I've impacted people and made their day, and how they've made mine. It's a two-way street." He described the participants as individuals facing significant challenges with physical disabilities and special needs, expressing admiration for their inspiring resilience. "The power of giving is what's at play here. As athletes, we can impart values we develop daily, and in return, we receive inspiration and motivation. It's powerful to realize these are the people we represent when we wave the national flag in competitions."
The event took place at Beit Al Hayam in Herzliya, which operates the country's only accessible surfing club in cooperation with the Herzliya Municipality. Attendees included Mayor Yariv Fischer, Deputy Mayor Dana Oren Yanai, Olympic Committee CEO Adi Bichman, and VP Yarden Har-Lev.
Shai Viter, a co-founder of Beit Al Hayam, expressed pride in the collaboration with the Olympic sailors, emphasizing the sea and sports' therapeutic and educational impact. "Our participants at Beit Al Hayam break boundaries every time they come to the sea, and today is a meeting of champions from different worlds coming together at sea."
Olympic champion Tom Reuveni remarked, "Beit Al Hayam is a place that gives a lot of strength and power, both to the families and to us volunteers. This day was one of the most significant volunteer experiences I've had, due to the work at sea and the very special people here who know the power of the sea and water." He praised Vardimon's initiative and expressed a strong desire to volunteer again, recommending others contribute to good causes.
Beit Al Hayam utilizes the sea and community to support populations with special needs, IDF veterans, and trauma survivors. Last year, 1,500 children and teens with special needs and at-risk youth, 250 families, and 450 volunteers participated. The Azrieli Foundation supports the "Families on the Sea" program, under which this event was held, ensuring all family members participate equally.
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