Who would think that a small town in the remotest corner of Israel could do it?  And not once, but three times over with more on the way?  With tears in some eyes, a reception was held today (21.7.08) to send off and ‘god-speed' three Eilati athletes to the Olympics in Beijing.   On 08.08.08 at the hour of 08.08, the Olympic games will open and all of Eilat will be cheering for its local hero, world champion windsurfer Shachar Tsoberi.

Shachar Tsoberi will, we all believe, come back with even more achievements as a world champion windsurfer, and we fully expect the symbolic medal given him at today's reception to be replaced by a shining Olympic one next time we see him.  Going with him to participate in the Oympic youth training camp in Beijing toward participation in the London Olympics in 2012 are two other Eilati athletes, windsurfer Ron Asulin, and swimmer Yulia Benekh.  Shachar's personal coach, Raphael Belilus, will be accompanying the Olympic delegation.

The reception was held at the Sheraton Moriah Hotel, which has been sponsoring the Olympic team, under sponsorship from the Eilat Municipality's Sports Division.  Many youth from the sailing and swimming clubs were present to see off their mates and to observe the pride that Eilat takes in its athletes.  Short speeches of encouragement and good luck were given by various officials from the City, the sports associations, and others, at the end of which each of the athletes was presented with a pendant inscribed with a Star of David and wishes for success.   The speeches were interspersed with musical selections by a flute and piano duo, Galina and Olga, who made sure to include "We Are the Champions" in their programme.

 Shachar told Eilat Today that he and the others all leave on Sunday for Beijing, where they will be staying for three weeks and undergo training camps before the actual Games.  When asked if he would like to say anything to the Eilatis or our international readers, he simply expressed sincere gratitude to all of those who have made this possible for him.  Like his father whom I know from IOLR, Shachar has a quiet, humble, almost shy smile.  When he’d been called up to give his own speech amid resounding applause and some whistles, he offered the short or the long version, saying he’d give the short.  “Thank you all for coming.”  C’est tout.   

But who needs words?  His accomplishments speak volumes.  Shachar, we all love you and wish you the absolute best of success - and, we hope, fun - on your great Olympic adventure.  And the same to Yulia and Ron. 

Shachar has tremendous support from the community.  As we were leaving the reception, we happened to walk out with his fitness trainer, Shlomo Zaks.  While the municipal and other sponsorship provides for Shachar’s personal trainer to accompany the expedition, it does not extend to all of his trainers.  But Shlomo will be accompanying Shachar to Beijin on his own tab to do everything he can to help Shachar toward success.  I doubt he is the only one.  Those who cannot be in Beijing rooting for him will certainly be doing so back home in Eilat, with all their hearts.