The Ashkelon municipality chose to state the 2016 day of the disabled in a unique sports event – an “integrating duathlon”, which emphasizes the possibility and the right for social integration in all aspects of life, including physical activity. The duathlon included running and the option for riding a variety of bicycles adapted to the participants’ capacities. It was attended by athletes, youth and adults with and without disabilities next to each other. The “integrating duathlon” is a joint initiative by the Education Administration, the Department of Sports and the Department of Social Affairs and Social Services at the Ashkelon municipality, and was held with the support of the Shalem Fund. The event was held with the presence of Mayor Itamar Shimoni, the mayor’s deputies and council members, representatives of the Shalem Fund, the director of the Department of Social Affairs and Social Services Mazal Levy, the director of the Department of Culture, Youth and Sports Nimrod Galanta, employees of the Department of Sports, local athletes, volunteering youth, parents, graduates and students from special and regular education frameworks, and in total – about 350 participants

The event also included a performance by the musical group “the Pace of Peace”, activity stations such as floor games, paintball, information stands of organizations and associations working in the field, such as: Kehila Negisha, Mishlavim program, the Barzilai Hospital, nature-therapy, alongside stands of make-up and beauty for the event participants, an attraction for taking selfies, a stand for registration for auditions to a local musical band and more.

The Mayor said: The duathlon constitutes an opportunity for a unique and large municipal activity in favor of special populations, and raising awareness in the city for integrating them in all aspects of life. We believe that significant actions such as these are the key for changing awareness and for a true integration in society and we thank the Shalem Fund for supporting the event