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Israel's Toto Equals team wins fourth place in Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Israel's Toto Equals football team secured fourth place at the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup in Paris.
  • The team, comprising athletes with and without disabilities, competed against 11 other nations, with striker Tomer Gini winning the Golden Boot for scoring 10 goals.
  • Despite injuries to four players, the team advanced through the tournament, ultimately losing in the semi-finals to Jamaica and Paraguay.

Israel's Toto Equals football team achieved fourth place in the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup, marking the first time an Israeli team participated in the tournament. The team, a blend of nine Special Olympics athletes with disabilities and seven Unified partners without disabilities, showcased their skills against competitors from 11 nations.

Tomer Gini, the team's striker, emerged as the tournament's top scorer, netting an impressive 10 goals and earning the Golden Boot award. The team faced considerable adversity, with four players, including Gini, sustaining injuries during the championships. Nevertheless, they continued to compete, securing victories against China and the United Arab Emirates.

This delegation proved that the heart is greater than any challenge. The team represented the State of Israel with great honor and gave their all on the field.

— Ofir HaimThe team's coach, Ofir Haim, expressed pride in his players' perseverance despite challenges.

In the semi-final matches, the Toto Equals experienced defeats against the Jamaican and Paraguayan teams, which led to their overall fourth-place finish. Coach Ofir Haim expressed immense pride in his players' resilience, stating, "This delegation proved that the heart is greater than any challenge." He added that the team "represented the State of Israel with great honor and gave their all on the field."

Sharon Levy-Blanga, CEO of Special Olympics Israel, lauded Haim's commitment and characterized Israel's debut in the tournament as a "historic journey." She remarked, "The players showed the world what perseverance, friendship, and belief in one's abilities are. We return to Israel not only with champions in football but also with champions in promoting values of tolerance, patience, inclusion, and respect for others."

The players showed the world what perseverance, friendship, and belief in one's abilities are. We return to Israel not only with champions in football but also with champions in promoting values of tolerance, patience, inclusion, and respect for others.

— Sharon Levy-BlangaSpecial Olympics Israel CEO, Sharon Levy-Blanga, described Israel's participation as a 'historic journey' and highlighted the values promoted by the team.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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