**Community Partner:**  The Center for Independent Living Tel Aviv 

**Social Issue:** Disabilities - Intellectual disabilities  

**Ambassador**: Bar Timor 

**Main Life Skills:** Communication, Independence, Self-Confidence, Teamwork 

**About the program:**  

Created in partnership with the Center for Independent Living in Tel Aviv, this team brings together nine passionate Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv fans and 10 adults on the autism spectrum. The name Shavim, which means ‘equals’ in Hebrew, captures the essence of their project, building a community where all members are treated with equality, respect, and understanding. 

Through this project, Hapoel aims to address the specific challenges faced by adults with autism, such as social isolation and limited access to fulfilling activities. The goal is to integrate these individuals into a supportive sports framework that strengthens their sense of belonging, while also equipping them with valuable life skills. 

The Hapoel Shavim Tel Aviv team brings together about 20 players each week, aged 19 to 48, all of whom are dedicated to the same goal: developing persistence, teamwork, and a sense of community through basketball.  