Gadi Yarkoni takes 9th Place in Rio Paralympics!

The Israeli marathon runner Gadi Yarkoni participated in the marathon run today in Rio, which was the closing event in the Paralympic games this year.  Gadi placed 9th in the race with a time of 3:05:25.  This was Yarkoni's second time participating in the Paralympic Games.  His record for the Marathon run is 2:48:56.  He came in 13th place in the marathon in London, finishing in 3:01:51, and ran the New York Marathon with Noach Braun in 2010.

 Gadi ran the marathon in Rio tethered to his trainer, Yosef Gazacho, who ran alongside him or behind him throughout the marathon.  Escort runners are not allowed to run in front of a blind runner in order that they not pull them forward in any way.

 Yarkoni, 41, lost his vision in 1993 while fighting against the Hizballah in Lebanon.
He is a graduate of the center who received his first guide dog in 1996.  He was partnered with his fourth guide dog Butch, a yellow Labrador, in November of 2015.

We are proud of Gadi and the other Israeli athletes and their fine accomplishments!  Kol Hakavod!

Gadi and Noach running the New York City Marathon in November, 2012

Gadi Yarkoni and Elon Brachfeld running in the Ro'im Rahok event, 2012

Gadi and his guide dog Butch, 2015

Our Bikers - From London to Slovenia

The central club of Canvelo has just returned from a week-long biking excursion to Slovenia.  The group consisted of 13 sighted riders, 9 blind riders, and several single bikers – 27 riders in all.  The first three days of the trip were in an area east of the capital city of Lubiana, and the final three days were in Bled in the western area of the country.  The routes took the bikers over scenic mountains and valleys. 

Eli Yablonek, one of the blind riders who took part in the excursion, summarized the trip in one word: "Terrific!"  Eli described the week as the best excursion the group has had so far.  "There was a lot of comeraderie, a great atmosphere, and wonderful routes."  Eli also commended the organizers Moti Regev, Tova Yanovsky, and Roni Dik as well as the volunteers who were extremely helpful throughout the trip and Ilan Sivan who maintained the tandem bikes throughout the trip (without a single flat tire!) .  Eli particularly enjoyed taking his guide dog Glen along.  "There was lots of togetherness and a great atmosphere.  We're waiting for next year!"  

Canvelo Riders in Slovenia: "The best excursion so far!"

Meanwhile, Martin Segal, the Executive Director of the British Friends of the IGDCB recently took part in and completed the Prudential Ride London / Surrey 100-mile cycle challenge and raised over £1,500 for the Centre.  Martin said he was proud to have completed this challenge to help raise much needed funds and awareness for the IGDCB.  This year Martin completed the ride in 6 hours and 35 minutes, and next year he plans to do it again and take at least 30 minutes off his time!    The

Martin (in yellow jersey at  left) crossing the finish line at Buckingham Palace

Latest News about Our Staff

Lots of advancements and changes are taking place in the center staff this year!  In August we said goodbye to Eli Ben-Boher, who has been working at the center since 2003.  Eli was in charge of our puppy raisers, and also contributed a great deal to the center with his wonderful talent as a photographer.  We wish Eli and his family success in the future!

Dana Halperin has replaced Eli as director of our puppy raisers.  Dana traveled to Great Britain last June to enrich her training with Britich Guide Dogs and learned a lot that she will need to know in her new job.  We wish her success!  

Vered, who was originally designated to be an apprentice trainer together with Hilla Ben Meir, will instead be joining Dana as part of the puppy raising staff and will be certified in April, 2017.. 

Meanwhile, congratulations are in order to Hilla Ben Meir, who has completed the theoretical portion of her three – year training as a guide dog trainer and mobility instructor. 

Congratulations also to Yoav has completed his training and is now a full-fledged guide dog trainer and mobility instructor! 

We also welcome Yelena, who has joined the kennel staff.

Congratulations to all and success in your work!

Photos: Dana in the UK, Vered, Hila, and Yoav at work