INTERNATIONAL WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL FEDERATION

The President hosted Israel's National Women's and Men's

Wheelchair Basketball Teams

Israel's national wheelchair basketball teams, currently preparing for the European championship scheduled to commence in Israel on 6 September, received the blessing of Israeli president, Mr. Shimon Peres, who hosted the women's and men's teams, as well as ambassadors and representatives of some of the participating countries, representatives of the Prime Minister's office, the Ministry of Sports, and sponsors of the event. Chairman of the Paralympics Committee, Daniel Ben Abou, thanked the president for his reception and added: "In these very days we are witnessing a new spirit in Israeli society, heralding a desire for integrity, modesty, and equality, values best exemplified by these Paralympics athletes."

Basketball player Moran Samuel related the story of her life until her injury and rehabilitation and added her message: "Our only limitations in life are those that we ourselves create".

Basketball player Dotan Meishar described the stages of his injury and rehabilitation, and concluded by saying to the president: "If it was up to you we would receive the same conditions as regular basketball players, as customary all over the world".

Captains of the women's and men's teams, Rachel Shlush and Rotem Philips, awarded the president a basketball signed by all Israeli players and coaches.

President Peres was extremely moved by the applause he received for his birthday and by the signed basketball. In his address he said among other things: This is the most beautiful and precious present, I will give it to my children and they to my grandchildren and great-grandchildren, it is a very moving gift. I wish you success, you have always reached outstanding results and I am sure that you will do so once again.

"You bring hope, pride, and a noble spirit to the entire nation".

The event was attended by representatives of government ministries, ambassadors, representatives of sponsoring companies, as well as

Avi Benbenisti, Marketing Officer and PR of IWBF Europe, Meir Yom Tov, inspector of the championship, and Yoram Tanenbaum, director of the referee team.

The event was accompanied by singer Ron Weinreich, recent participant in the Star is Born Israeli talent show.