Swim4Sadna2022

The Kinneret Swimathon, now in its 12th year, is an annual fundraising event held on behalf of the children of Sadnat Shiluv in Gva’ot. The swimmers in this challenging event raise funds for various projects at Sadnat Shiluv. This year, the swimmers’ goal will be to raise 1 million NIS to build a professional music therapy room at Sadnat Shiluv. Sadnat Shiluv and the Music Therapy Room Sadnat Shiluv- an educational institution located in the Gush Etzion community of Gva’ot develops innovative and exciting modalities for promoting and integrating individuals with disabilities in Israel and across the globe. Sadnat Shiluv is a multi-faceted venture that includes two schools, the design and implementation of learning materials for diverse functioning levels, a housing network, integrated community infrastructure, occupational training, and employment ( in such areas as agriculture, animal grooming and therapy, arts and craft and the independent running of a social café and bakery). We are firmly committed to inclusion and integration and strive to create a social fabric that encourages the development and progress of all human beings, regardless of their limitations. The ability of living and growing together with ‘the other” empowers and enriches us all. The Kinneret Swimathon initiative was designed to reflect the vision of Sadnat Shiluv- the integration of individual empowerment with the inclusion of the “other” alongside the commitment of giving back to society. The Swimathon’s goals are to raise necessary funds for the educational and occupational projects of Sadnat Shiluv. Through the successes of previous Swimathons, we were able to build occupational centers, an arts center, a petting zoo, a sports center , and we have started to build a coffee shop. The Swimathon is an extraordinary experience that provides much pride, satisfaction, and empowerment to the Sadnat Shiluv family as well as to the swimmers themselves. Building the new Music Room The music room which will be built through the funds raised at the 2022 Swimathon, will provide a welcoming space for the Sadnat Shiluv students to use music to express themselves, to feel connected, to find their inner talents , and of, course, to enjoy the beauty and happiness that the music brings , the challenges notwithstanding . Music is the universal language, the language of the heart, the language of those who cannot express themselves in other ways. Music allows everyone to be included and find a non-verbal method of communicating their inner talents and abilities which otherwise would be trapped within themselves. Through our music ensemble which performs in front of schools and cultural events in Gush Etzion, our students develop self-confidence, teamwork and cooperation skills in an enjoyable fashion. By building the music room, we aim to enrich and further develop these traits. The estimated cost of this auspicious project is 1 million shekel ( NIS 1,000,000) . Thanks to the efforts of our Kinneret Swimathon participants and your support, we will achieve our goal. Please join us on this venture.