Today was a day of transition at Maccabi USA. the Open, Junior and Youth athletes capped their ISRAEL CONNECT experience with a celebratory lunch and team meeting, where they heard the U.S. Ambassador from the United States to Israel, Dan Shapiro, speak. The Team was also delighted to hear their own Samantha de Leve sing a repeat performance of the National Anthem as well as the Israeli National Anthem, Hatiikvah (please see sidebar to view the video and listen to her amazing voice).
The Flag Bearer that will lead Team USA into the Opening Ceremony at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem will be two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Garret Webber-Gale. If you are not able to join us in Jerusalem for the Opening Ceremony, Please tune in to
www.jltv.tv to view it on the internet or to get listings for cable television broadcast times in your area. Afterwards, the athletes left their ISRAEL CONNECT housing locations for their accommodations centers where they will be housed with other Jewish athletes from around the world.
Our Masters athletes arrived today and began to disperse to various accommodation sites, where they will prepare, along with all the athletes of Team USA, for the first day of competition.Additionally, the family and friends of Team USA's athletes arrived today for the start of the Maccabi USA Maccabiah Mission Program, where they will have the opportunity to experience the Magic of Maccabiah as they cheer on their family members.
Grand Masters Tennis athlete, Sam Sporn, received a special award of Leadership at the International Sports Hall of Fame today. We congratulate Sam for his dedication to the sport of Tennis and support of Maccabi USA and the International Maccabi Movement.
The Rugby 7's tournament began this evening and results of the tournament will be provided tomorrow, the first full day of competition at the World Maccabiah Games. Make sure to tune into
the offiial Maccabiah Games website for the latest information on sports schedules, competition and results.
Make sure to
for live updates from the Opening Ceremony - just search for @maccabiusa and #maccabiusa to view great photos and video from the stands and fields.
