A unique initiative with international basketball player Jared Armstrong, who came to Ofakim and held training sessions and games with the participants of the city’s basketball department. This led to the strengthening of the sports and leisure sector in the city with a significant new project to upgrade basketball courts. The meeting – which was an inspiring experience for the children and youth – left a deep impression. Following the visit, a connection was made with additional entities, which led to a cooperation with the JAB Courts initiative. This is an international initiative of donors from abroad, which works to strengthen the bond with Israel through youth sports, and specifically through the establishment and upgrading of basketball courts in communities.
The project focuses on cities affected by the events of October 7, and as part of it, the donors chose to invest in Ofakim as well, with the aim of creating safe, educational, and values-driven spaces for children and youth, and strengthening community resilience.
Thus far, two original courts in the city have been renovated: The covered court on Buzaglo Street (opposite the park) and the covered court near the high school on Herzl Street. To these courts, additional courts will be added and upgraded soon out of a desire to expand the response for all city residents.
The project includes not only a physical upgrade of the courts, but also the holding of professional clinics and training, which will provide children and youth with a professional framework and an opportunity to develop in the field of sports.
The Mayor of Ofakim, Itzik Danino noted: "Sports are a significant tool in education and in building personal and community resilience. This project enables the creation of a space of opportunity, inspiration, and belonging for the children of Ofakim. I thank our partners in Israel and abroad who chose to invest in the city, and the sports department for leading this move. We will continue to act in order to expand the responses and give every boy and girl in Ofakim the conditions to grow and succeed."