In the First Place
Tens of thousands of Rishon LeZion's residents are addicted to sports and take part in a variety of amateur activities. It all began in the Great Synagogue on Rothschild Street. In 1885, exercise classes for children were inaugurated in the basement. At the time, no other facilities were available. Mr Assa-El Pochachevsky was the first physical education teacher. That same year, a sports club was started by the Maccabee organization. The first Maccabee Games in Israel were held ten years later, when Rishon's athletes came away with several trophies and medals.
Chess Club
Rishon's chess club is one of Israel's leading chess groups in Rishon's community centers. The performance of the chess club's children, youngsters and adult groups brings great honor and pride to Rishon LeZion. This includes winning national and international competitions and the Israel Chess Championship in 2001.
Sports Education
About 4,000 students play basketball, football and tennis in classes at Rishon's athletic schools as well as in informal settings. They also swim learn self-defense and practice many other sporting activities. A special program run by the city in cooperation with the Weizmann Institute allows Rishon to encourage future record breakers, who are especially talented in table tennis, handball, volleyball, gymnastics, track and field and virtuall any other sporting activity.
Hundreds of children between the ages of 4 and 14 take part in special municipality gymnastics programs. No less than 40 girls from Rishon are on the national gymnastics team!
The city is particularly proud of the fact that its gym classes have been awarded the “Israel's Best Sports association” title for several years running.
You'll find residents of Rishon at all the following annual events:
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“Tzaadat Hashlosa” - some 8,000 people hike 10 km every year in memory of three Rishon LeZion soldiers killed in action in Kfar Darom. The hike across attactive countryside passes several of Rishon LeZion's historical sites.
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“Spring Race” - a 10 km professional race held every May in memory of the late captain Eran Alkavi. Thousands of high school students take part in another race for amateurs that is held at the same time.
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“4x4” - the “table football” tourament, 450 young teams participate in this games. Both competitors and guests enjoy shows.
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The Golani Race - Rishon's high school students join the Golan Brigade on its annual running race from Dan in the north to Eilat in the south, Golani soldiers traditionally run through Rishon LeZion.
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Triathlon - this relatively young sport in Israel drawsmany participants and spectators.
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And More… field races, sports tournaments for little children, basketball, volleyball, handball as well as the Rishon LeZion Tennis Championships and its wins-surfing games.