The Ilan association granted last weekend (29 / 12 / 22) Encouragement scholarships in the field of sports for 16 sportsmen and women, members of the Rehabilitation and Sport Center of Ilan Haifa.
The encouragement scholarships were awarded to young athletes, based on perseverance, dedication and potential for achievements in competitive sports.
"We were looking for the best place, with the best coach"
The exciting event was held in the presence of the incoming CEO of ILAN, Mrs. Orit-Ilon Friedman, the chairman of the center's board of directors, Shlomo (Momo) Cohen, the center's CEO, Mrs. Orit de Castro Cohen, the professional director, coach Jacob Binanson and Evinam Gilad, director of sports at the association. The former Paralympic swimmer Inbal Pizrou was also present among the guests.
Yehuda Katev, the father of Noam Katev, who has been swimming in the Haifa swimming pool for the sixth year, said to those present: "Without our children, the motivated athletes who get up for training with Jacob Binanson at odd hours, we are nothing", and told how they came to Ilan Haifa, even though they live in Kadima.
Yehuda Katab:
"When Naam started swimming, we decided that we were looking for the best place, with the best coach, that's how we ended up at the ILAN Haifa Sports and Rehabilitation Center."
"You are the proof of miracles"
Ms. Orit De Castro Cohen began her remarks by addressing the athletes and their families who were present at the ceremony: "The month of December is the holiday of holidays, but you are the proof that we don't need holidays for miracles, sport is for each and every one of you a means of fulfilling a dream!"
"Change in mental perception"
El Brightman HaCohen's daughter (37), a Paralympic athlete in bocce, the Israeli champion for 2019, greeted with excitement on behalf of the scholarship recipients.
Bat El Brightman the priest:
"I went through a huge change in my mental outlook as an athlete. It is so beautiful to see the success of the Ilan Haifa Sports and Rehabilitation Center in promoting the athletes, both in the competitive aspect and in the rehabilitation aspect of preserving physical abilities."
"A model of excellence"
Orit Ilon Friedman, CEO of ILAN:
The Ilan Haifa Rehabilitation and Sports Center, led by a great management and professional team, is a model of excellence, which puts on the map the ability of people with disabilities to act, excel, persevere and contribute to the community and society as a whole."
It was an exciting ceremony. Well done Nirit Kopel - Wonderman. Good Morning
Thank you very much for posting a compliment, I will be grateful for the correction of Yehuda's name to the letter...instead of Katab...