Dima, the swimmer who fills Arad with pride!

Dima Glickman is twelve years old and is in the sixth grade. Dima and his mother Ina, immigrated to Israel about ten years ago from St. Petersburg.

Dima has been swimming since he was two months old (in St.Petersburg, they often teach their children to swim at a very young age). He has been participating in swimming competitions for the last two years. During Hanukah, Dima won four medals in the Hapoel competition held in Jerusalem. He also won two additional gold medals in another competition in Sderot.

A few months ago, the Arad swim coach, Yaron Eilati wanted Dima to participate in a major competition in Europe, which took place in Germany. However, there was a problem: no funding!! When our wonderful friends from Partnership 2000 Arad-Tamar, New Jersey-Delaware heard of Dima's predicament, the solution was fast and ready. Through the generous and ongoing assistance of Heidi Weinberg, Chairman of the Living Bridge Committee, the funds were quickly collected and organized.

Dima participated in the competition in Germany and was extremely successful. Competing against 500 participants, Dima came away with three medals! He won two silver medals for the 200 meter free style and 100 meter breast stroke. Dima also won a bronze medal for 100 meter back stroke.

Dima, a very quiet and polite young man had this to say about his experience: "It was a lot of fun going to Germany. I'd like to thank everyone in New Jersey for their generosity. If not for their help, I wouldn't have been able to go."

Dima is the pride of the Arad Swim Team as well as the entire community. We all wish Dima, good luck and a bright future!!!

Iyyar 5764 - May 2004