Philadelphia, PA, August 30 – Charles Paris, a forward on Yale University’s Men’s Soccer Team will join the USA Open Men’s Soccer Team competing at the 2nd Maccabi Australia International Games (MAIGs) in Sydney, December 26, 2010 – January 2, 2011. Competition will take place at Olympic Park, site of many of the competitions from the 2000 International Summer Olympics.
Paris, currently a Junior at Yale University, played forward and defense as a member of the Santa Monica High School Men’s Soccer Team. While there, his Team won the California State Championship in 2008 and Paris was a Team leader with 19 goals. Additionally, he represented Los Angeles as a member of the Men’s Soccer Team in 2006 at the JCC Maccabi Games, where his Team took the gold medal.
When asked why he wanted to represent the USA at the MAIGs, Paris responded, “I am honored to represent my country and look forward to expanding my Jewish cultural experience by meeting other Jews with my passion for Soccer.” Paris’s twin brother, Robert, represented the USA at the 18th World Maccabiah Games in Israel in 2009 as a member of the USA Open Track & Field Team where he won a bronze medal as part of the 4×400 Team Relay.
In addition to competition, members of the USA Team will have an opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture and history of the Australian Jewish Community in Sydney.
About the organization:
Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel (MUSA) has 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, the Pan American Maccabi Games and the Maccabi competitions in Europe and Australia, as well as a co-founder 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 the world over 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.