Dallas Bound
A group of very excited Maccabi NSW basketballers and swimmers are en route to Dallas, Texas for the JCC Maccabi Games 2015.
Ready to board
Head of Delegation, Michelle Israel, caught up with editor of Maccabi NSW News, Leanne Shelton, this week to provide some insight into their extensive training and their goals for the Games:
What’s the overall vibe from the players at the moment?
They are both nervous and excited. Nervous about the level of competition they will face and excited for the trip, the new cities, the billet families and the chance to represent Maccabi Australia.
How have the players been training/preparing for the games?
Most have been continuing their own preparation. We had a 3 day training camp in Melbourne over the last holidays. A truly national team struggles to have everyone in the same place at the same time so the athletes have continued their own training regime with input from their coach’s where possible.
What are you all most looking forward to?
Representing our country at a well-respected competition, being hosted by the wonderful communities of Dallas and Fort Lauderdale and performing to the best of our ability in all areas on and off the sporting arena.
What are you hoping to achieve at the JCC Games?
I am hoping the athletes achieve their personal best, learn a new skill, improve a current skill and gain a realisation that they are a part of a larger global jewish community, all connected through sport.
Good luck to all of our members heading to Dallas –
14 and Under Basketball
Jack Bassat, Cobi Chrapot, Alon Danby, Dylan Katz, Jarred Kieser (Coach), Toby Lipton, Tal Ram, Richie Robenstone, Corey Schwartz, Max Vadas, Les Webb (Manager), Noah Webb
16 and Under basketball
Jack Burman, Bailey De Bortoli, Noah De Bortoli, Greg Diamond, Matt Gamerov, Jayden Gordoun, Max Kausman (Coach), Nahar Pleshet, Jordan Spyrides, Jeremy Stein, Aidan Zlotnick
14 and Under Swimming
Taya Carp, Anthony Coghlan (Manager), Isabella Coghlan, Jared Elbourne, Guy Eylon (coach), Damon Glick, Judd Katz, Jesse Nissen, Samuel Penkin
This is a really exciting time for these young athletes to represent themselves & the Community on an International stage.
We wish them great success, & trust they enjoy the experience.
Barry Smorgon OAM
President MACCABI Australia