Israel's 39-person delegation to the International Special Olympics returned home from Shanghai, China, on Sunday with 36 medals - 10 of them gold, 16 silver and 10 bronze. The Israeli team competed in eight sports: judo, swimming, soccer, cycling, bowling,

Many said their goal in the games had been to "bring pride to Israel."

track and field, tennis, and table tennis.

The Special Olympics were created to promote athletics for those with mental disabilities of varying degrees. Athletes are chosen based on coaches' recommendations. The Special Olympics summer games, held once every four years, took place in Shanghai from October 2 to October 11.

The athletes expressed pride in their accomplishments and confidence that the team would do even better in the next games. Many said their goal in the games had been to "bring pride to Israel."

The returning athletes were greeted by Social Services Minister Yitzhak Herzog, Chairman of the National Association for the Habilitation of the Mentally Handicapped in Israel (AKIM), Reuven Samuel, Olympic medal-winning judoka Arik Ze'evi, Olympic medal-winning swimmer Eitan Orbach, basketball player Meir Tefiru, and other well-known Israeli athletes.

Minister Herzog addressed the delegation, saying, "It is moving to see a group whose most outstanding characteristic is the victory of the spirit over the body; a group of young people that does not give up and is ready for any challenge. You bring much pride and serve as a personal example for all of us."

AKIM head Samuel said, "The Special Olympics athletes proved to the world that determination, will, and faith in one's abilities are the ways to overcome any limitation...." 

"The most important thing is not the medals, but the courage in trying to win," said table tennis player Meir Abramov.

Shanghai Jewish Community Pitches In

Shanghai's Jewish community of 2,000 people pitched in to help when they heard the Israeli delegation was coming. They raised more than $20,000, and provided uniforms and sports shoes for the athletes. The local community also made available to all the athletes, their family members and trainers - about 100 people - succahs for use over the Sukkot holiday, as well as kosher food.

Chabad-Lubavitch stepped up to the plate, as well, as its emissaries do every time an Israeli sports delegation shows up in a city with a Chabad presence. When the Special Olympics foundation turned to the Israeli Consulate for help in making the Jewish athletes

Chabad-Lubavitch stepped up to the plate, as well.

from Israel and other countries feel comfortable, the Consulate turned to Chabad.

Chabad went far beyond tending to the delegates' religious needs and providing Sabbath and holiday meals. The organization, in coordination with the Consulate and the Olympics Committee, also provided translators, transportation, and obtained lodging for those family members who could not afford to pay on their own.

"We jumped at the opportunity to be as helpful as we can," said Dina Greenberg of Shanghai Chabad, as she made arrangements for the Jewish athletes. "We are trying to do everything we can to make them feel like they are coming to a Jewish family, arms wide open and waiting for them."

President of the International Special Olympics, Jay Emmett, was among the 200 guests at the Shanghai Jewish Center-Chabad for the official welcoming dinner.