As the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Germany concludes, the Israeli athletes celebrate a series of incredible athletic triumphs resulting in nine gold medals.
There are more than 3,500 athletes in Special Olympics in Israel who compete in 11 different fields of sport.
Keneo was linked to the Paris Olympics candidacy committee before the French capital was awarded the 2024 Summer Games.
The search was ordered by the French national financial prosecutor's office
Poland also recognized his achievements and awarded him the Commander Cross and the Knight Cross of the Order of Merit.
Despite his athletic achievements, Helfgott’s greatest passion was his work supporting fellow survivors.
“We believe that this is a tremendous gesture from the State of Israel, not only to recognize the brand of Special Olympics, but to recognize the inherent grit, courage, determination and talent..."
The Special Olympics were not active in Israel for many years, while the government funded the regular Olympics and Paralympics. But Culture and Sport Minister Miki Zohar gave it recognition.
A new book explores the stories of Smadja and his father Maurice. Moti Aksmit: "The story of Israeli judo begins with them."
Table tennis, pentathlon, fencing, judo and taekwondo are among the Olympic sports that have readmitted athletes from Russia and Belarus as neutrals.
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