The Toto Equals, which consisted of nine Special Olympics athletes with disabilities and seven Unified partners without disabilities, competed against teams from 11 other nations.
Then, five months ago, while recreationally shooting some hoops with friends, I was recruited to the Israel national women’s basketball team.
“We are pleased to partner with the Maccabiah Games once again and support this remarkable celebration of sports and community,” said Pixellot CEO Doron Gerstel.
Next up are six games against teams from the corresponding group that includes Poland, the Netherlands, Latvia and Austria.
The roads will be closed beginning at 5:00 p.m., and will remain closed until around 11:00 p.m. when the event is set to end.
Madar led Israel with 31 points, Carrington added 21, and Ginat chipped in with 16. Dennis Schroder paced Germany with 21 points, while Christian Sengfelder scored 16 and Kay Bruhnke added 15.
One of Israeli basketball’s top young female talents leads Israel into the U20 Women’s European Championship before beginning her college career at Purdue.
Both President Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed the crowd during the ceremony, bidding the Jews who had come from around the world a warm “welcome home.”
Beitar Jerusalem players expressed confidence that the club can challenge for the championship under new coach Almog Cohen.
The Israel National Basketball Team has already advanced to the next stage of qualifying, which will take place at the end of August.
Top Israeli and international athletes will compete at Givat Ram as the Jerusalem Grand Slam 2026 offers key ranking points ahead of the European Championships.
