Against the stunning backdrop of the Red Sea, on the one hand, and the Eilat Mountains, on the other, and thanks to the comfortable weather also in winter, Eilat hosts many sports competitions drawing athletes from all over the world as well as widespread media exposure.
The major sports competitions held in Eilat are:
Eilat Motocross: Eilat hosts Israel's off-road motorcycle championship about 2 km north of the city in the Eilat Mountain dunes. The course is blessed by Mother Nature herself. Because it is watered by high-level ground water, driving on it is challenging yet free of dust. The event, held in two rounds on Fridays and Saturdays, draws a great many spectators for a fun, extreme event lasting a full weekend. Admission is free.
Israman: The Eilat Israman Full and Half Iron Triathlon is the Israeli open triathlon – the longest in the country. The course combines the sea and the mountains. In the full triathlon, the athletes swim 3.8 km in the Red Sea, cycle a challenging course of 180 km going through the Eilat Mountains, and run 42.2 km – a full marathon – in the wondrous desert north of the city. Spectators can come for free to cheer on the runners and also sign up to participate themselves.
ASA Championship: In recent years, the international Academic Sport Association games have been held in Eilat. Athletes in an astounding range of activities fill different locations in the city, at the end of which a conference on "Leadership in Sports" is held in the presence of public officials and celebrities. The competitions feature popular sports such as soccer and basketball (3 x 3), but also bowling, judo, off-road biking, open-water swimming, SAP, and kayaking.
The Sportiada: This event, held for the first time in 1980, is dedicated entirely to the public at large. Some ten thousand amateur athletes of the general public compete in 15 sporting events, including soccer, basketball, tennis, chess, and more. Since 2016, the event has included competitions for the visually impaired. Organized by Hapo'el Center, the event is a beloved annual city tradition.
The Footvolley World Cup: In recent years, the golden beaches of Eilat have become the favorite location for hosting the Footvolley World Cup, footvolley being a fun sport combining beach volleyball and soccer. The top footvolley players come to Eilat every year to compete over two lively days, the Red Sea serving as the perfect backdrop to the energetic action of this sport.
The Peace and Brotherhood Cup: This teen soccer tournament for youngsters from all sectors and faiths in Israel has been held in Eilat for more than a decade during the Passover holiday in the spring. Youngsters aged 12 to 16 from various youth division throughout Israel come to Eilat to compete. They're hosted at the Club Inn Hotel where they experience evenings of entertainment, full meals, and exposure to a broad, open discourse. In addition to the desire to win, the tournament champions coexistence among the many sectors that constitute Israeli society and teaches mutual respect and acceptance of the other.
