Philadelphia, PA, September 14, 2017 – Maccabi USA is seeking Jewish athletes, coaches, and volunteers to represent the United States at the inaugural Maccabi Youth Games in Israel, July 22-August 1, 2018. There will be six days of competition, followed by three days of touring based in Jerusalem. The Games will consist of U.S. teams for Boys and Girls born 2002-2004 in Basketball, Futsal, Ice Hockey, Soccer, and Volleyball. To learn more about the sports offered and to access an application, please visit www.maccabiusa.com. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, priority application consideration deadline is December 1, 2017.

The Games are in cooperation with JCC Association, the JCC Maccabi Games, BBYO, and Maccabi organizations around the world. The 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, 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 that is 300+ strong 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,” said Backal. “Not only in sports, but through a very successful combination of interrelated experiences that revolve around sports. The Magic of Maccabi is the perfect mix of experiences that successfully strengthens the Jewish heart and mind for the lifetimes of those involved. It is my true honor to be leading the next generation of Jewish athletes to Israel next summer to represent Maccabi USA in the Maccabi Youth Games.”

Maccabi USA builds Jewish pride through sports, generating the emotional intensity, high ideals, and powerful camaraderie of competition.  We connect athletes, volunteers, and supporters with the global Jewish community.  Our athletic, educational, and cultural experiences build Jewish identity, perpetuate Jewish continuity worldwide, and strengthen support for the State of Israel.

For more information, please contact Maccabi USA Program Director Shane Carr at 215.561.6900 or by email at scarr@maccabiusa.com.

About the organization:

Maccabi USA (MUSA) is a federally-recognized not-for-profit 501(c)(3) Organization with an extensive history of enriching Jewish lives through athletic, cultural and educational programs.  The Organization is the official sponsor of the United States Team to the World Maccabiah Games, and the Pan American and European Maccabi Games, as well as a sponsor of the JCC Maccabi Games for teens in North America.  As the official Maccabi representative in the U.S., Maccabi USA supports Jewish athletic endeavors, enhanced by cultural and educational activities in the United States, Israel and throughout the Diaspora.

MUSA develops, promotes and supports international, national and regional athletic-based activities and facilities. It strives to provide Jewish athletes all over the world the opportunity to share their heritage and customs in competitive athletic settings. MUSA supports programs that embody the Maccabi ideals of Jewish Continuity, Zionism and Excellence in Sport.  Maccabi USA Builds Jewish Pride Through Sports.

Maccabi USA has been selected by the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) as a Multi-Sport Organization (MSO). The nonprofit Organization becomes one of 35 MSOs nationwide to be recognized by the USOC for its ability to cultivate a national interest in sport and increase opportunities for participation internationally, nationally and at the grassroots level.                                               

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