The 2019 Women’s Lacrosse Under 19 World Championships just took place in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. The Israeli team played Kenya on August 6th in the second round and defeated them 13-4.
Normally, you would feel great about such a big win on a big stage. However, this victory did not sit right with the Israeli team. Their Kenyan opponents played the entire game without cleats! At this level of play, that is a huge disadvantage. The athletes slipped and slid the whole time and the Israelis knew that the two teams weren’t on equal footing (pun intended).
The Israeli players noticed something else too. They were inspired by the genuine respect and pure joy the Kenyan team displayed on the field. Even in competition, there were bonds forming through smiles and back-pats throughout the game.
After the game there were mixed emotions from the Israeli team. Three of the young women spoke to their parents who then contacted a pedorthic clinic back home. The doctors knew what competing without the proper footwear could do to these young women.After the game there were mixed emotions from the Israeli team. The women talked to their coach and contacted an orthopedic center back home. The doctors knew what competing without the proper footwear could do to these young women.
The Israeli team went through the tournament committee members who contacted the Kenyan coaches. They swore him to secrecy and then got all of the players names, sizes, and jersey numbers.
The very next day, the Kenyan coach told his team they were going to the fields to scout their upcoming opponent, Belgium. Belgium just happened to be playing the Israeli team.
After the game, each sister from the Israeli side had something to give, as an offering of love to their new friends.
Each Israeli team member was assigned a player on the Kenyan team. They called them out, one-by-one and the joy this brought is worth every penny! Check out a few of the clips below. WOW.
Not only is this a great example of sportsmanship, but it is HUMANITY at it's best. Congratulations to all of the athletes.....best of luck to both teams....you are all truly winners in my book and that's your GOOD NEWS, BABY.