The twelfth Israeli National Mind Olympics was held this last Thursday, May 14^th, at the Center of Chess in Ramat Aviv, Tel-Aviv.

There are those who might say that Israel is like a "Melting Pot". To anyone who was present at the time of the tournament it was clear why: children from the Jewish sector competing against children from the Arab sector; religious competitors doing their best to triumph over non- religious, and yet all of them playing side by side in the most polite and respectful manner! One of the guests present summed it up so nicely by saying: "Game playing is indeed the international language".

Fourteen teams, from fourteen different schools from all over the country competed in this exciting event for the privilege of representing Israel at the Third International Mind Olympics which will be held in Istanbul, at the beginning of June. All of the teams came well prepared after training long and hard for this very moment.

The tournament consisted of five heart racing, thrilling rounds. The large crowd, consisting of course of the friends and families of the competitors, but also of the Eshcolot staff, Mind Lab Group Staff, and many honorable guests like the C.E.O of the "Karev" foundation and more, could hardly restrain its excitement.

After a long, exciting tournament, the winning team was the team from "Mul Gilad" school in Ashdot Yaacov. We are certain that the four team members: Itamar Vaknin, Amit Gruner, Noam Shamay and Or David, together with their instructor, Adi Rousseau, will make us very proud at the international tournament in Istanbul.

We would like to wish the Israeli team the best of luck, but we mustn't forget to thank all the other children who competed at the national tournament. As always, you all made us very proud. It was a pleasure being at the tournament and seeing the respectful and mature manner that you all treated one another. Even though you did not win this year, we would like to encourage you not to give up, and keep practicing, for there is always another national tournament next year!

We would also want to take this opportunity to thank all the wonderful instructors who gave their hearts out for their teams. Keep up the good work!