Miri Gross, a mother of 11 from Bnei Brak, is a dedicated disability advocate.
Her youngest son, Yedidya, is a 4-year-old boy born with Down syndrome and complex congenital heart defects. For years, Miri lived in constant fear, as Yedidya’s fragile health led to two life-threatening cardiac arrests and repeated hospitalizations.
Just as hope was beginning to fade, Miri discovered and enrolled him in the Special Olympics Young Athletes program – acronymized in Hebrew as “Geffen” – a newly introduced, research-based movement initiative for children with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities. That decision would change their lives. Special Olympics Israel, part of a global initiative active that exists in over 50 countries, recently launched the Special Olympics Young Athlete program in Israel.
Aimed at children aged 2 to 8 with developmental disabilities, it uses play-based physical activities to support their motor, social, and emotional growth. In small-group sessions, children take part in fun and engaging exercises like running, jumping, and kicking – while also learning key skills such as turn-taking, imitation, and cooperation. Led by certified instructors and trained Special Olympics volunteers, the program creates an inclusive environment where children with and without disabilities can thrive together.
Building a more inclusive Israel
Backed by international research, the Special Olympics Young Athletes program in Israel has shown impressive results: children often make up to nine months’ worth of developmental progress in just eight weeks. Studies also show that participants improve motor skills at twice the rate of those who are not in the program.
Beyond the impact on children, the program also positively affects families and the broader environment. Parents report a shift in how they relate to their children and an improvement in how the community relates to them – highlighting the broader societal benefit of this initiative in promoting inclusion and equal opportunities for every child.
In Yedidya’s case, the impact of the program has been nothing short of transformative. Since joining Special Olympics Young Athletes, his health has improved dramatically – he has had no hospitalizations, his chronic breathing issues have significantly subsided, and he has not experienced any further cardiac arrest episodes.
Beyond the medical progress, his developmental and social milestones have also advanced: Yedidya is now walking independently, waiting his turn, imitating others, and engaging more socially with his surroundings.
According to his mother, Miri, the change has been profound. “This child is simply learning how to live again.”
Galia Arad, Head of the Kindergarten and Early Childhood Department in Ramat Gan, also touted the impact of the initiative.
“This program is a wonderful example of inclusive education and supportive communities making real change for children, families, and educators alike. It strengthens social skills, motor abilities, empathy, respect, and acceptance of differences.
The program fosters safe, value-based environments that promote collaboration, belonging, and a culture of patience and inclusion.” Special Olympics Israel is more than a program – it’s a lifeline for families like Miri Gross’s, offering renewed hope and measurable progress for children with developmental disabilities. Yedidya’s story is just one of many that shows how the right support can transform challenges into breakthroughs, helping children not only survive, but truly thrive.
For more information, please visit www.specialolympicsisrael.org/geffen-program