The Olympic Committee of Israel and the “Go Baby Go Israel” organization held a special volunteer activity last week at Kibbutz Tzora, during which athletes from Israel’s Olympic teams came together to give children with disabilities a unique experience of mobility and independence – allowing them to feel equal and capable, just like any other child.
During the workshop, which included members of the national windsurfing team led by Olympic medalist Shahar Tzuberi, Olympic fencer Yuval Freilich, Olympic tennis player Ilana Berger, and young athletes from judo and volleyball, the participants worked together with the organization’s team of experts to adapt motorized toy cars to each child’s individual motor and cognitive needs.
“Go Baby Go Israel” is a fully volunteer-based, non-profit organization that provides children with motor disabilities with custom-designed motorized toy cars. These vehicles are modified to suit each child’s specific abilities—for example, moving the driving mechanism from foot to hand or head depending on upper-limb function, and adjusting the seating to ensure safety and enable independent mobility. Each car is provided free of charge to the family, with the goal of giving children the opportunity for free and independent movement. Research has shown that early independent mobility is essential and has a significant impact on various aspects of development, including cognitive, social, and emotional growth.
The Olympic Committee of Israel views this initiative as part of its social engagement and its ongoing efforts to strengthen the connection between the world of sports and Israeli society. The joint activity with “Go Baby Go Israel” adds to a series of collaborations with social organizations aimed at promoting the values of excellence, solidarity, and equal opportunity.
