Maccabi USA is seeking Jewish athletes, coaches, and volunteers to represent the United States at the inaugural Maccabi Youth Games in Israel, July 22-Aug. 1, 2018. There will be six days of competition, followed by three days of touring based in Jerusalem. The games will include U.S. teams for boys and girls born in 2002-2004 in basketball, futsal (a five-a-side variation of soccer), ice hockey, soccer, and volleyball. To learn more about the sports offered and to access an application, visit maccabiusa.com. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis; the priority application consideration deadline is Dec. 1, 2017.
The games are being held in cooperation with the JCC Association, the JCC Maccabi Games, BBYO, and Maccabi organizations around the world. Other countries competing include Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Israel, and South Africa. Games will be held in and around the city of Haifa, except for ice hockey, which is slated to be played in Metula.
Marc Backal, general chairman of the 2018 Maccabi Youth Games USA organizing committee, is recruiting volunteers for the committee who will appoint qualified coaches and managers. The organizing committee will field a USA team of 300-plus teen athletes, who will be part of approximately 1,200 participants from around the world.
“Maccabi USA is at the forefront of keeping Jewish pride on the map,” says Backal, adding that the “magic of Maccabi” is its “perfect mix” of sports, educational and cultural experiences.
For more information, contact Maccabi USA Program Director Shane Carr at (215) 561-6900 or scarr@maccabiusa.com.
