Israel Tennis Centers

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Israel Tennis Centers (ITC) is the largest tennis program for children in the world, reaching more than 350,000 families which is 5% of the Israeli population. With 14 centers around the country, they use tennis to promote the social, physical and psychological well being of their students (through other programs such as their Life Skills program). ^[1], ^[2]

Contents 1 History 2 Mission Statement 2.1 Philosophy 3 Notable Alumni 4 External Links 5 References

[edit] History

In 1974, Dr. Ian Froman, Freddie Krivine, Joseph D. Shane, Harold Landesberg, Rubin Josephs, and Dr. William H. Lippy began fundraising efforts to launch tennis as a sport in Israel and to build a National Tennis Center in Ramat Hasharon. On April 25, 1976, Leah Rabin cut the ribbon to the Center and 250 children signed up to participate. ^[3]

[edit] Mission Statement

• To provide all children the opportunity to learn and grow through tennis.
• To give life changing opportunities to disadvantaged youth.
• To affect the future of Israel by providing character and leadership development. ^[4]

[edit] Philosophy

The Pursuit of Excellence on every level. ^[5]

[edit] Notable Alumni

• Ilana Berger
• Gilad Bloom
• Shlomo Glickstein
• Amir Hadad
• Harel Levy
• Amos Mansdorf
• Tzipora Obziler
• Noam Okun
• Shahar Pe'er, (ranked #20 by the WTA on November 13, 2006) ^[6]
• Shahar Perkiss
• Andy Ram
• Eyal Ran
• Anna Smashnova

^[7]

[edit] External Links

• Official Site, English
• Israel Children's Centers, the fundraising arm of ITC

[edit] References

1. ^ Official Site, English
2. ^ ITC Programs
3. ^ ITC History
4. ^ Official Site, English
5. ^ Official Site, English
6. ^ Shahar Pe'er
7. ^ ITC Champions