Israeli Sports Organization Helps Disabled Go Extreme

Etgarim means “challenges” in Hebrew. It’s also the name of a groundbreaking non-profit organization that helps disabled children and adults in Israel take part in extreme outdoor sports.

Founded in 1995 by a small group, including two disabled Israeli Defense Force veterans and several rehabilitation experts, it allows more than 5,000 children and 700 adults to take part in strenuous activities such as running, cycling, sailing and ropes.

Some Etgarim members have already on gold medals. Its sailing team, comprised of disabled IDF veterans, won the gold medal in the Athens 2004 Paralympics.

Last year, the organization started a weekly running group in Tel Aviv’s main park, with many of the runners being blind. To help them run, their wrists are joined to the wrists of their sighted peers.
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Via http://www.israel21c.org
Image courtesy Etgarim