By Amy Samin
The Ayanot Youth Village is an educational center that focuses on values, learning, and culture for over 300 young people. The Youth Village community champions the idea of educational action based on the values of tolerance, equality, mutual responsibility, and social involvement. Those at the Ayanot Youth Village are working to develop the unique talents of each student, as well as the values of excellence, personal responsibility, and leadership.
One of the most significant means of developing those abilities is the Village's basketball team. This year, in the spirit of the Euroleague's ONE TEAM project, a partnership was established between the team and the Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv basketball club. Past and current members of Maccabi - Doron Jamchy, Nikola Vujcic, and Devin Smith, who are Maccabi's ONE TEAM ambassadors - attended a joint practice with the Village's students. The coach of the youth team is Assaf Niron, who is assisted by Giora Eitan, the coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv's youth department.
A wonderful partnership has developed between Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv and the Ayanot Youth Village, which was put into action in the activity of volunteering at the children's hospital in Tel Hashomer and in other joint volunteer activities on behalf of the community. The Ayanot ONE TEAM squad reached the final round of the league playoffs among teams from youth villages and boarding schools, and they are hopeful that with the assistance they receive they may come home with the trophy. Harel Turgeman was named outstanding student and was chosen to be the captain of the Village's team. As a sign of appreciation, Devin Smith had the honor of presenting Harel with a basketball signed by the team.