Maccabi Tel Aviv stars brought smiles to the faces of the children from the "Bigger than Life" Association at a Purim Carnival held at the Arlozoroff train station

In what is now taking on the character of a club tradition, Maccabi Tel Aviv came to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim together with the children of the "Bigger than Life" Association as part of the festivities that go under the name of "The Train Made for Smiles". Maccabi stars Gal Alberman, Barak Badash, Dor Micha and goalkeeper Juan Pablo Colinas all joined in with the children this morning and were at their complete service for well over an hour. They answered questions and had their pictures taken with any child who so desired. And let's not forget "Maccabino", the Maccabi Tel Aviv mascot, who brought smiles to the faces of one and all.

This is already the tenth consecutive year that "Bigger than Life" have collaborated with Israel Railway in organising this festive train that starts in Haifa in the north, collects children suffering from cancer and their families and brings them to the Arlozoroff train station in Tel Aviv to participate in a festive experience that this year included dancing, a drummers' ring, a make-up stand and many other treats. From Tel Aviv the train continued to make its way all the way to Beer Sheva in the south, where the final event of the day's celebrations was held.

Gal Alberman, who has become quite a veteran at such events, described what it was like to spend time with the children of the "Bigger than Life" Association: "We're really glad to be here. For me personally, this is my first time attending after having missed last year's celebrations. There are simply some things, things that go way beyond football, that make you feel good inside. If we can help these kids enjoy themselves, even if it's just a little bit, than so far we're concerned it's a real accomplishment. We'll take any opportunity to help these kids and to be a part of events like these is a truly great pleasure".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z59Eyuvfsic&list=UU-oWQqnf8B8a_TsmVi0mTUg