300 brave women swam across the Kinneret on Friday June 5 in the 6th Annual Swim4Sadna to raise money for the Sadnat-Shiluv center in Gush Etzion. The Sadna is a ground-breaking educational program for young people with special needs and the funds raised will be used to build a kitchen where they can train and work.
The swimmers ranged in age from 10 to 80, and included girls who have been training all year for the event. 3 students from the Sadna participated in the swim, including one who is almost completely blind. Another swimmer was a 14-year old girl who walks with crutches because of an injured foot, but she was determined to complete the 3.5 kilometer course, rather than the easier 1.5k route.
First-time swimmer Nadia Levene said: “I was uplifted by the energy and camaraderie of 300 women of all ages swimming for the same cause. It was heart-warming to see the swimmers helping each other to make sure everyone reached the shore in one piece. I felt I could have swum the 3.5k route, but I plan to train hard and bring an even bigger team with me next year.”
Another first-time swimmer, Eve Jacobs, only learned to swim a few years ago. She said: “Swin4Sadna was a life changing experience, not just because I have only been swimming for a few years and have never swum anywhere other than in a pool, but because of the energy of the incredible women swimming along with me – strangers supporting and encouraging me. I can’t wait for next year!”
Event organizer Vivienne Glaser explains: “This event is all about empowering women to fulfill their potential and believe in themselves, and at the same time empowering young adults in Israel with special needs to live a more fulfilling life.”