Around 50 players participate in a Special Tennis tournament at the ITC – Ofakim

On Tuesday 17th January 2012, the ITC – Ofakim hosted a special tennis tournament for people with disabilities. On a beautiful winter’s day in Ofakim, around 50 tennis players from the ITC’s in Ashkelon, Yokneam, Ofakim, Beer Sheva and Jerusalem competed with each other.

Click here to find out more about our Special Tennis Program!

There were many different levels of competition – from a basic level, playing on half a court to matches played on a full court for the more accomplished players. Indeed, one of the Israel Tennis Centers’ (“ITC”) main goals is to operate programs and tournaments for children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities, helping them fulfill their potential. Activities such as these national tournaments significantly improve the lives of participants, as they benefit from a structured physical routine within a stress-free environment, in the company of caring and professional coaches.

The official spokesman of Ofakim, Reshef Benishti, was present at the event and was very impressed with the variety of activities that the ITC – Ofakim offers the community.

Manager of the ITC – Ofakim, Haim Zion: “The atmosphere was amazing and very special. It is such fun to see these brave athletes compete, as it gives us another perspective on life. I would like to thank Shaya Azar, the manager of the ITC – Ashkelon and coordinator of the Special Tennis Program, on his amazing work”.

During the prize giving ceremony

A group picture

About The Israel Tennis Centers Foundation (“ITC”):
The ITC is a non-profit organization (formerly known as The Israel Children’s Centers is a 501 (c)) that works to enhance the social, psychological and physical development of Israeli children through the medium of sport. We provide a healthy and structured environment for children from all walks of life, teaching values of cooperation, persistence and tolerance. Thirty-five years after the inauguration of the first Israel Tennis Center in Ramat Hasharon, the ITC has expanded throughout Israel and has nurtured and empowered more children and adults than the original founders could have ever dreamed. Currently one of the largest social-service agencies for children in Israel, the ITC operates 14 Centers throughout Israel’s periphery within socio-economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. The Centers are complete with cutting edge facilities and tennis courts that serve over 20,000 children. For additional background please visit: http://www.israeltenniscenters.org