ITEC – Haifa Hosts Annual “Embrace” Celebration
A record number of at-risk children from eight ITEC centers converged on the ITEC – Haifa recently for the third annual “ITEC Embrace Celebration”. Over 250 children, ages 8 to 16, came together for a fun-filled day of sports and other fun activities. In the true spirit of the ITEC, the event united children of all backgrounds…Jewish, Muslim, Druze, and Christian…all happily competing side-by-side.
The special day started at 9 am when all the children arrived and greeted each other. They were then divided into groups by the centers they represented, and they competed in different sports, including tennis, basketball, football, handball, golf, spinning and kick boxing. Following the morning activities, they enjoyed lunch before going to the sports club for the awards ceremony and a swim.
Sophie Lacoste, the granddaughter of the clothing company founder and legendary tennis player Rene Lacoste, was there along with Ilan Ben Dror of The Ben Dror Group and representatives of the Pentland Group.
“The Embrace Program is absolutely wonderful,” said Ms. Lacoste. “I really want to thank the whole ITEC team and especially the coaches that I saw working with the kids. They are doing an outstanding job every day. Thank you for all you do for the children of the Israel Tennis & Education Centers.”
The “Embrace” Program represents the ITEC’s most comprehensive and holistic initiative for children at risk. It combines sport, recreational activities, social workshops and mentoring , with the goal of increasing the participants’ achievement in school. At the same time, the program helps to enhance their levels of confidence, reducing violence and self-destructive behavior while contributing to their general well-being and happiness.
ITEC – Tel Aviv Hosts Event For Special Needs Children
Over 100 children with physical and mental disabilities were treated to a unforgettable day of fun activities and special guests from around Israel. The event was held in collaboration with the “Knafayim Shel Krembo” youth movement, an organization in which children organize activities for their peers with special needs. A host of Israeli celebrities also stopped by to lend their support. They played an exhibition football match against members of the ITEC, including Harel Levy, Yoni Erlich and Amir Weintraub. There was even a special guest appearance by the Euroleague Basketball Trophy that was recently captured by Maccabi Tel Aviv. This special event, held at the ITEC for the second time, was a wonderful opportunity for these children to discover a new place and just have a great time.
“This day, perhaps like no other, is unique,” said Sophie Katz, ITEC’s Director of Social Impact Programs. “No other event moves us quite like this one. It has such a huge impact on these wonderful children.”
The ITEC’s special needs program is an integral part of the organization’s social impact agenda. It serves populations with various special needs, including children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities, autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, army injuries and emotional and psychological stress.