World ORT Director General and CEO Avi Ganon was fortunate to meet with double Olympic champion Lord Sebastian Coe (Seb Coe) while preparing for the London Marathon,taking place April 28. The star athlete generously advised Ganon how to train for the event and wished him success in his endeavor to raise needed funds to upgrade the athletic facility infrastructure at the Silver Youth Village near Ashkelon.
Lord Coe won the gold medal for Britain in the 1,500 meters at the 1980 and 1984 Olympics. He discussed his training techniques and marathon experiences with Ganon, who is an avid amateur runner.
“It was a real honor to meet Lord Coe,” said Ganon. “He was one of the athletes who inspired me to take up running and it was a great morale boost ahead of the marathon to speak with him.”
Ganon will lead a team of British and Israeli runners on behalf of ORT UK at England’s largest annual charity event. World ORT is a global education network driven by Jewish values. The organization reaches 300,000 people a year, in 35 countries, and is one of the largest educational charities in the world.
The pair discussed World ORT’s work educating students around the globe as well as Lord Coe’s experiences visiting Israel. Ganon explained that World ORT provides a combination of high-level science and technology education along with strengthened Jewish identity to bridge the gap between ability and opportunity – and ensure the continuity of Jewish life worldwide. He also explained that the refurbishment of the athletics facilities will give students more opportunities to be successful in their lives.
Lord Coe, who is currently president of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), commented on Israel’s current and former athletics programs and his own work with the Israeli Athletic Association.
“We know how valuable it is for people to donate to help us build the new running track, renovate the gym and its changing rooms, and to purchase sports equipment,” noted Ganon. “We need World ORT supporters to dig deep into their pockets as we dig deep into our stamina reserves on the marathon course.”
World ORT is collectively hoping to raise £30,000 towards the refurbishment of the athletics program at the Kfar Silver Youth Village in Israel.
To donate to World ORT, please visit here.
Written in cooperation with World ORT.