Israeli Cycling Stars Join Wheels of Love Charity Tour to Support ALYN Hospital

Olympic cyclist Rotem Gafinovitz and Guy Niv, the first Israeli to complete the Tour de France, are set to participate in the 27th annual Wheels of Love charity cycling tour, departing from Eilat on Sunday. Hundreds of international and local riders will cover a grueling 500-kilometer route culminating at the ALYN pediatric rehabilitation hospital in Jerusalem.

The five-day event brings together professional athletes and dozens of children treated at ALYN, including members of the Fast and Furious cycling team. Many of these young participants took up cycling as an integral part of their rehabilitation process and now ride independently on handcycles or tandem bicycles accompanied by volunteers.

Organizers report that the initiative has already raised approximately 7.1 million shekels toward a 7.3 million goal. All proceeds directly support advanced medical rehabilitation programs for children and adolescents recovering from severe trauma, complex illnesses, and disabilities.

Gafinovitz expressed deep admiration for the young participants, noting that witnessing their resilience is a profound source of inspiration. Niv echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that every kilometer ridden carries a unique and vital purpose in helping these children reach new heights.

The journey will conclude in Jerusalem with a festive ceremony at the hospital, where participating children will greet the incoming cyclists and present them with specially designed medals created by Hadar Ribak.