Much More Than Sports
The local sporting event took place just two kilometres from the Israeli-Jordanian border, in a Kibbutz named Neve Eitan. On the surface, it appeared to be a friendly match organized between teams from two schools. Both were eager to test their floor hockey skills in friendly competition. The host school, Gaon Hayarden, was gracious in opening its doors to athletic rivals from Rehovot.
Fresh understanding through play
However, this was far more than just a local match between two schools. This was a powerful expression of solidarity, rebirth, and determination — taking shape through simple play.
As part of a concerted effort to strengthen sports programming for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and connect it to a wider global platform of empowerment, celebration and inclusion, Special Olympics Israel implemented what was a local, and powerful, floor hockey match. It brought brought together 35 athletes with intellectual disabilities, their families, and the community. For a population that is so often hidden away, the school of Gaon Hayarden played host to far more than a sports match — it provided a platform and vision for the future.
KOL HAKVOD! Respect to Them!
“They fought, and won and lost, like any other athlete,” said one spectator. “This is my first experience watching Special Olympics athletes — and my message to them is KOL HAKVOD! (Respect to Them!).”
Individuals with intellectual disabilities remain the most marginalized global population subset in the world today. They share the lowest outcomes in all development areas, including but not limited to health care, social protection, education and employment. But grass-roots sports programming offers a proven development tool to empower them, their families and the wider society to bring their contributions to the forefront and celebrate ability.
Understanding will propel Special Olympics forward
The athletes of Special Olympics Israel were equally grateful for the chance to show their talents. Upon the conclusion of the match, one athlete approached the National Sports Director of Special Olympics Israel, and offered a simple yet potent expression of thanks: “Thank you coach. Thank you for understanding us.”
It is this understanding that will propel the next 50 years of the Special Olympics movement, both in Israel and around the world, to achieve true social inclusion. And it is the example set by the athletes of Special Olympics that will undoubtedly show the global community the way forward and help create a Unified generation for all.
KOL HAKVOD!
