Kisharon’s Triathlon Triumph - Eilat, Friday 28th October 2011
On Friday 28th October 2011, 21 individuals ranging from 15 to 58 years of age catapulted themselves from their ordinary lives to take on the challenge of participating in the Eilat International Triathlon and European Cup to raise money for the special needs charity Kisharon. This is the 8th year in succession that Kisharon has sent a team to participate in the gruelling challenge. The months of training and preparation were nearly sabotaged by a series of events that seemed to conspire against the team getting to Eilat.
Despite the hurdles the team made it to Eilat which was abuzz with thousands of participants from all over the world gathering to take part in the demanding challenge. The Triathlon consisted of a punishing 1.5km swim in the Red Sea, a 40km cycle against strong Negev headwinds and a 10km run in the stifling dessert heat. Regardless of the harsh conditions, the event was a resounding success with the team uniting in the face of the challenge and raising over £50k for Kisharon. Simon Bentley who is a Trustee of Kisharon and son of the late Walter Bentley who served as Kisharon’s Chairman for many years, not only took part in his 8th triathlon but coerced five other members of his family to do the same. He was joined by his twin brothers Ralph and Jeremy who both live in Israel, two of his children, Joshua and Tanya, and his niece Danielle Garbacz.
Josh Bentley, 29 years from Mill Hill said emotionally expressed his feelings about the charity “Kisharon has a special place in my heart because of the history of my grandfather and father. I fully appreciate the outstanding work that the charity does in supporting people with learning difficulties. Personally I have had a fantastic time and at the same time I have a sense of achievement and satisfaction and I want to help the organisation build on this and get other people involved.”
18 year old Sam Baum, who is currently studying at HaKotel Yeshiva, came first in the Kisharon team. Despite a latex allergy from the swimming cap, Sam used all his grit and determination to soldier on and finished the gruelling challenge in just over three hours.
Mark Wagner, 47 year old from Finchley reported “It was a real challenge. A great feat of human endurance with people of all ages being taken out of their comfort zones. Whether you came first or last you felt you were a winner and all were in the eyes of Kisharon. It was a wonderful opportunity for participants to learn about the fantastic work of Kisharon first hand”
The team spirit and sense of everyone pulling together in support of each other and the cause that was spurring them on was clear to see. Joseph Machta said “I have an overwhelming sense of achievement. For me it was more about raising money than actually doing the triathlon. The triathlon was the most daunting physical task that I have ever undertaken in my healthy adult life. The one thing spurring me on was that no matter how hard it was for me it pales into comparison to the ongoing challenge faced everyday by the service users of Kisharon. All you need to do is look at what they go through and what they have to face and you’ll have the motivation to do two triathlons. I get really annoyed when people asked me how much money I had to raise – It isn’t about having targets or limits as a cause like this has no limit – the need is constant and there is always more to be done.”
Through the provision of education, employment, community support and residential services for over 150 people in London, Kisharon strives to create inclusive opportunities for people with learning and additional difficulties. It was in keeping with this mantra that 17 year old Talya Jacobson who has cerebral palsy, a severe visual impairment, epilepsy and learning difficulties was able to join the Kisharon team and participate in the event. Her 15 year old sister Dani completed the swim on her behalf and Talya completed the 26 km cycle ride on a tandem with her mum Bev who is the Chief Executive of the charity. Amidst huge applause, the three completed the run together. Besides the Jacobson team, there were two other Israeli teams that participated with disabled members. Kisharon hopes to develop this and provide opportunities for others in the future.
In the year ahead, and in the spirit of the Olympics, Kisharon will be promoting sport, active lifestyles and healthy living for the people it serves and the wider community. The charity is planning on participating in several enable sports events and is arranging a night walk for women in April and to field teams in the Windsor triathlon as well as an exciting new venue in Europe in the summer.