3 GENERATIONS OF FAMILY WILL SERVE ACES AT THE WORLD MACCABIAH GAMES
Philadelphia, PA, March 30, 2017 – It is a rare circumstance that Maccabi USA fields a family of athletes in the same sport. As first time members of Team USA, the three generations of the Jurick/Woidislawsky family will represent multiple divisions in the tennis competition: Jonah Jurick as a Juniors Athlete, Michael Jurick as a Masters Athlete, and Avram Woidislawsky as a Grand-Masters Athlete. While they will compete separately, they will march in as grandfather, father, and son/grandson during the Opening Ceremony. They will join the greater Maccabi USA family of 1,100+ athletes who will be part of the 10,000 Jewish athletes from 80 countries, participating in 43 different sports for the 20th World Maccabiah Games, which will take place July 4-18, 2017 in Israel.
As a USTA championship high school and collegiate tennis player, Michael introduced the sport of tennis to Jonah who was “born with a racquet in his hand.” As an extremely competitive player, Michael wanted to give Jonah the same drive and advantage he had. Avram began playing tennis in his early 40’s and fell in love with the sport; he was captain of the Philadelphia USTA 40 and Over Men’s Team for many years. He still plays competitive tennis two to three times a week but his favorite moments are ones of friendly competition with Jonah and Michael.
One of their favorite tennis experiences took place during the summer of 2016 when their entire family went to Israel for vacation. During this time, Jonah represented the U.S in the Israeli International Championship and won first place for the Boys 16U competition. In an effort to keep his edge, Michael trained Jonah every morning before the matches for 2 weeks straight. When the family learned of the Maccabiah Games, it was quite clear they were going to rise to the occasion and compete again in 2017.
“I remember waiting for the day that my grandson would beat me in a game of tennis. When Jonah turned 11, the magic happened. At the same time, my son-in-law, Michael was crushing me on the court – like father, like son. Now at the age of 16, Jonah still gives me the honor of playing with him. I am thrilled to share the experience of tennis in Israel with them both” said Avram Woidislawsky.
Since 1932, over 62,000 athletes have participated in the Maccabiah Games, in a celebration of Jewish Strength and Solidarity. Team USA’s success is not only measured by the medals won, but by the impact that the Maccabiah experience had on their lives as well as the friendships they formed.
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.
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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