The second annual Beit Issie Shapiro Soccerathon will be held Sunday May 6, 5-8 p.m. at the Astra SportsPlex, 839 Rutherford Rd. in Vaughan, Ont.

Nine teams of 10 players each are expected to participate in the event, which supports people with special needs and their families in Israel.

Beit Issie Shapiro is a 30-year-old Israeli organization that develops and provides services for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Based in Ra’anana, Israel, Beit Issie Shapiro played a pioneering role in promoting the inclusion of people with special needs in Israeli society.

The organization helps than 30,000 people each year. In 2009, it trained 3,000 professionals and caregivers, it delivered outpatient services to 5,770 children and adults with disabilities, and it provided family support to a further 3,000 people.

The Soccerathon is sponsored by Canadian Friends of Beit Issie Shapiro.