Hapoel Jerusalem A Ball For Kids With Special Needs

hero image
HaPoel-Yachad Basketball
17 Aug 2017
Inspiration

The Hapoel Jerusalem youth department has begun a unique new program in conjunction with OU-Israel’s Yachad Project for English-speaking kids with special needs whose families have immigrated to Israel from North America.

Once a week, Yachad kids participate in English-language basketball training and group practice at the Rene Cassin gym in Jerusalem, under the supervision of coach Gidi Dodi.

“I’m having the time of my life! I wish the practice sessions would never end,” said Daniel Hall, a member of the newly-created basketball team.

Michal Mordechai, director of community affairs for Hapoel Jerusalem’s youth department, emphasized that “the program with Yachad kids is an extension of our educational philosophy that through sports we can transmit educational values, teach discipline, and strengthen self-esteem and self-reliance – whether we are dealing with ‘regular’ kids or those with special needs.”

Read the rest of the article on Jerusalem Post

The words of this author reflect his/her own opinions and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Orthodox Union.