We recently spoke to Matthew Monheit, alumnus of two Maccabiah Games, about his experience with Maccabi USA’s Open Men’s Futsal team at the 2013 Maccabiah Games. Read below to find out about Matthew’s memories and why he stays involved with Maccabi USA!
Matthew Monheit, alumnus of two Maccabiah Games, recalls the first thing that comes to mind when Maccabi USA is mentioned, “I think of the opportunities I’ve had to travel, make friends and celebrate our Jewish heritage together.” Originally a soccer player who recently began competing in Futsal, he has competed for Maccabi USA on the Youth Men’s Soccer team at the 2009 Maccabiah Games and on the Open Men’s Futsal team at the 2013 Maccabiah Games.
Matthew plans to compete at the upcoming Pan American Maccabi Games on the Open Men’s Futsal team. As a two-time veteran of Team USA, he enjoys recruiting teammates for each set of Games. “It’s a lot of fun to help recruit for each cycle,” said Matthew. “We’re currently in the process of recruiting for our Open Futsal team that is set to compete in Chile.”
Apart from the actual games and competitions, Matthew’s most memorable Maccabi USA experience was his first Opening Ceremony. Walking into Ramat Gan stadium with his fellow teammates, “had me wide-eyed the entire time,” said Matthew. “When you see how full the stadium is, hear fans chanting ‘USA’ and see all of the other delegations in one place, you realize that you’re a part of something really big. What a special moment.”
The friendships he’s formed and the memories he’s created from the Maccabiah Games have pushed Matthew to continue his involvement with Maccabi USA. “It’s really easy to want to stay involved with Maccabi USA,” said Matthew. “The experience is beyond rewarding and I plan on continuing.”
Maccabi USA is currently seeking Jewish athletes to participate in Futsal at the Pan American Maccabi Games for the Open Men’s team, ages 18-35, as well as for the Youth Men’s team, birth years 1997-1998. For more information, please contact Shane Carr, Program Director, at 267.627.5647 or scarr@maccabiusa.com
Previously:
Maccabi Memories with Lenny Krayzelburg
Maccabi Memories with Rachel Magerman
Maccabi Memories with Noah Springwater
Maccabi Memories with Stuart Weitzman
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