Israeli Olympic athletes took part in a special volunteer initiative last week at Kibbutz Tzora, joining children with physical disabilities for a hands-on activity designed to promote mobility, independence, and inclusion.
The program, organized by the Olympic Committee of Israel in cooperation with the non-profit organization “Go Baby Go Israel,” brought together members of Israel’s Olympic and youth national teams to help adapt battery-powered toy cars to the specific needs of each child.
Among the participating athletes were Olympic windsurfing medalist Shahar Tzuberi and fellow members of the national windsurfing squad, Olympic fencer Yuval Freilich, Olympic tennis player Ilana Berger, and rising talents from Israel’s judo and volleyball programs.
Working alongside professional volunteers from the organization, the athletes helped modify the vehicles by adjusting seating supports and converting steering and driving mechanisms to hand or head controls depending on each child’s motor and cognitive needs.
Go Baby Go Israel, which operates on a fully volunteer basis, provides customized ride-on cars at no cost to families. The organization aims to give children increased independence and free mobility, which research has shown to play a critical role in early cognitive, social, and emotional development.
The Olympic Committee of Israel described the event as part of its broader commitment to social involvement and strengthening the connection between Israel’s sporting community and wider society. The initiative follows other collaborations with social and educational organizations promoting values such as excellence, solidarity, and equal opportunity.
“Seeing the athletes work with the children and witness the empowerment and freedom these vehicles provide is a powerful expression of the Olympic values we champion year-round,” said Yarden Har-Lev, the Olympic Committee’s Deputy CEO for Education and External Relations. “For the athletes, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact beyond competition and inspire through action.”
Stephanie Libzon, a pediatric physiotherapist, Tel Aviv University doctoral student, and co-founder of Go Baby Go Israel, added: “Our mission is to ensure that every child, regardless of physical ability, can move, play, and participate independently. We combine technology and community to build tools that open the world for these children.”