NEW YORK (Press Release) — Israel Tennis Centers Foundation (ITC) has announced its August 2014 exhibition schedule will include a special fundraising event in La Jolla on Sunday, August 24,, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.
A diverse team of Israeli players and coaches will be flying to the U.S. to meet members of the San Diego community interested in learning more about the current conflict and how the ITC centers have played an integral role in keeping children safe and secure. Hundreds of children from southern ITC locations have been provided transportation to northern centers, away from the blare of sirens and the threats of rocket attacks from Hamas. During this crisis, the goal has been to provide a caring and nurturing place for disadvantaged Israeli children of all backgrounds, a place where they can continue to learn essential life skills through the sport of tennis.
ITC programs go far beyond helping children become better tennis players. The real focus is becoming better human beings. Through its social impact programs, a wide range of children are served, including youth at risk, immigrants and children with special needs, from autism and ADHD to Down Syndrome as well as those with developmental and physical disabilities. Tennis has the unparalleled ability to bring together children from different religions in coexistence programs, promoting understanding, cooperation and friendship on and off the court.
“Our event in La Jolla will really give all those who attend a chance to hear some incredibly inspiring stories from the kids themselves,” said Jacqueline Glodstein, ITC Vice President/Global Development. “It’s all about serving a better future for children, and we need to support them in every way we can for their sake and for the whole of Israel.”
The Israeli delegation includes ITC coach Rakefet Benyamini, who joined the ITC – Ramat Hasharon shortly after it opened. Today, 36 years later, she is the manager of the ITC – Jaffa, responsible for developing the Youth at Risk Program which has had remarkable success in changing the lives of Israeli children. The ITC works with the Jaffa Institute to bring underprivileged children from the Institute to the Israel Tennis Center in Jaffa. There they learn essential life skills to help them become productive, confident and successful members of Israeli society. As a former Israeli Tennis Champion who has coached thousands of children throughout her career, Rakefet is the ultimate role model. “When I see the children at the center, I know they could just as easily be out on the streets,” she reflects. “More importantly, I know that the ITC and the game of tennis may prevent them from roaming the streets in the future, a situation that would be especially dangerous during the current conflict.”
For more information or to attend the August 24th , contact Richard Weber, global director of marketing, at (646) 884-7410 or rweber@israeltenniscenters.org.
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Preceding provided by Israel Tennis Centers