A unique and sporty beach-cleaning event took place this morning (Tuesday, November 11), led by the EcoOcean Association, the Olympic Committee of Israel, and the Rishon LeZion Municipality, in collaboration with students from Avnei Hoshen Middle School in the city.
As part of the activity, Olympic athletes including Yuval Freilich, Shahar Tibi, Sheli Bobritsky, Maor Abo, and Sheli Hilton arrived at the beach and took an active part in the event, together with EcoOcean instructors and the students. Participants were divided into groups according to the colors of the five Olympic rings, collected litter from the beach, learned about the importance of protecting the marine environment, and took part in integrated sports activities.
The event continues the fruitful collaboration between EcoOcean and the Olympic Committee of Israel, which this year has included successful beach-cleaning events at the Yarkon estuary and Shavei Zion Beach, where over 400 kilograms of waste were collected.
The project, titled “The Sea, the Beach, and the Olympic Spirit,” emphasizes the connection between environmental education, physical activity, and community responsibility, offering participants a meaningful, enriching, and enjoyable experience.
Eric Rosenblum, CEO of EcoOcean:
“The sea is a source of life, culture, and resources, and therefore it is our responsibility to protect and preserve it for future generations. The cooperation with the Olympic Committee connects the worlds of education, sports, and the environment, providing young people with true inspiration to take responsibility and act for a cleaner, more sustainable future.”
Yarden Har-Lev, Deputy Director of Education and External Relations at the Olympic Committee of Israel:
“The collaboration between EcoOcean and the Olympic Committee of Israel is a living expression of both environmental and social sustainability. The beach-cleaning initiative, born from the daily experiences of Olympic athletes who witness firsthand the consequences of marine pollution and the climate crisis, has evolved into an ongoing program that accompanies both organizations throughout the year.
Connecting school students with the values of Olympism—through educational activities led by athletes who serve as role models and sources of inspiration—cultivates not only public awareness, but also a sense of personal and collective responsibility for a healthier, more sustainable world.”
EcoOcean is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the marine and coastal environment through the promotion of research, education, and broad community engagement.
The Olympic Committee of Israel is committed to advancing sustainability in Israel through three spheres of influence: its internal operations, its work with sports federations and athletes, and its connection with the wider public.
The three organizations commend the partnership and emphasize that educational initiatives of this kind contribute both to the protection of the marine environment and to strengthening personal and social responsibility among the younger generation.
