I’m very excited and honored to have the opportunity to address the Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters on what is a historic day for Special Olympics Israel and Israeli football as a whole.
It’s a privilege to thank the Maccabi Tel Aviv Football Club for becoming Israel’s first Team Ambassador for Special Olympics. In my mind there couldn’t be a bigger statement being made by owner Mitchell Goldhar about the importance of those with intellectual disabilities.
When the Maccabi Tel Aviv players walk onto the pitch this evening, they will be wearing unique jerseys with the Special Olympics logo on it, telling the world that together we can continue to give those with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship.
It’s important to note that those eleven limited edition jerseys featuring the Special Olympics logo and the player’s autographs will be sold to help raise funds for Special Olympics programs specifically with Maccabi Tel Aviv, including the UEFA Football Week in May 2017 and Project Unified that joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team.
Lastly, I want to invite all of the Maccabi fans to come and celebrate our upcoming Israel Special Olympics Games that will be held at the Wingate Institute on September 26-27 where over 1,300 Special Olympics athletes will be competing in a myriad of sports including football. In addition, a Torch Relay beginning on September 18th will take place throughout the country and is open for all to join in marching hand in hand with the athletes.
Again let me say a big thank you to Maccabi Tel Aviv and the Foundation from all of my heart for this wonderful partnership and I look forward to greeting each and every one of you soon.
Daniel Benaim
Chairman, Special Olympics Israel
