An Israeli amateur sports association specifically for mothers is holding its first clinic in Montreal from Nov. 9-11 at McGill University.

Founded in 2005, Mamanet, the “mothers cachibol league,” now has branches in more than 90 cities in Israel, involving more than 16,000 women, and is expanding internationally. It is currently active in Austria, Italy, Greece, Cyprus and the United States, among other countries.

Cachibol is a variation of volleyball.

Mamanet works in co-operation with Hapoel, Israel’s largest sports organization, and its activities abroad are being assisted by the Vienna-based International Workers and Amateurs in Sports Confederation (CSIT).

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“Mamanet has the potential to change the sports society and the life of women for the better,” said CSIT president Harry Bauer. “This was my first statement after having experienced Mamanet and it remains absolutely valid.”

An international Mamanet tournament took place during the CSIT World Sports Games, which were held in Riga, Latvia, last year.

Any woman can participate in the clinic, regardless of race, religion, age or physical condition.

The goal is to foster friendly competition, healthy physical activity and community involvement.

Mamanet has the potential to change the sports society and the life of women for the better.
– Harry Bauer

This clinic will certify coaches, referees and scorers, as well as train professional co-ordinators for local teams.

The clinic takes place at McGill’s Tomlinson Fieldhouse gymnasium and includes both seminars and play.

Ofra Abramovich, Mamanet’s founder and chair, who was a busy, middle-aged mother when she started the league, will be in Montreal during the clinic to raise awareness of Mamanet’s objectives.