Sports didn’t change my life, The Center did. 
At the Israel ParaSport Center (The Center; formerly Israel Sport Center for the Disabled), we know that sports are more than just a
game — they are a way to strengthen the body, mind, and spirit. We also
know that for people with disabilities, the playing field of life is not level. Many believe physically challenged people are bound to be less able for the rest of their lives.
But it doesn’t have to be that way! With the right resources, people
with disabilities can live the full lives they deserve in life. Sport is the
vehicle for building confidence so children and young adults can become
successful members of Israeli society.
One of the many Center athletes whose life has been transformed by The Center is Paralympian Caroline Tabib.
Born with congenital paraplegia, a condition that paralyzed her from the waist down, Caroline was not expected to survive childhood. With limited resources and few places to turn for support, Caroline’s prognosis was dire. The Israel ParaSport Center had other plans though and offered Caroline something that doctors had not been able to give her: Hope.
Caroline came to The Center for its rehabilitative services at the age of six and worked hard to build strength and confidence in her abilities. With limited mobility, she started her journey at The Center in the state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool. Like Caroline, every child and their unique needs require individualized attention and care.
Caroline received access to advanced adaptive sports equipment such as racing wheelchairs which allowed her to keep up with the other kids while playing on the playground. The Israel ParaSport Center not only helped Caroline build strength in her body but also gave her
Because of the support she received at The Center, Caroline was able to attend school with her able-bodied peers, and easily made friends in the mainstream school system. As part of The Center’s Children’s Program, she had the opportunity to play a variety of parasports before falling in love with table tennis. By the time she was 13, she won her first national championship, and at 16, she began representing Israel at international table tennis competitions.
Today, Caroline is a two-time Paralympian with several championship medals under her belt. She’s ranked 6th in the world in her sport and is currently training for her third Paralympic appearance at the 2024 games in Paris.
Caroline recently returned to the Israel ParaSport Center not only to train but to work as the assistant to the Director of International Relations. When she isn’t training for an upcoming competition, Caroline hosts tours of The Center and communicates with generous donors like you. She loves to give back to the place that empowered her to live life without limits.
Children like Caroline arrive at The Center every day in search of hope. Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, The Center is able to reach more children than ever before.