Philadelphia, PA, June 24th – Tonja Magerman, General Chairman, 14th European Maccabi Games USA Organizing Committee, has announced the appointment of Team USA. She is excited to lead the delegation for these Games, as it will be the largest gathering of Jewish people in Berlin since World War II. More than 2,000 Jewish athletes from 36 countries will attend.
“These Games are especially important to me as it marks the 70th Anniversary of the Shoah,” Magerman says. “While sports are the vehicle that drives us to these Games, the experience of participating in such an important and historic event is one that we will remember forever. We are very pleased to represent American Jewry and to be a part of such a significant event.”
Team USA consists of 168 athletes on 20 teams in Open, Juniors, Youth and Masters divisions competing in 14 sports; Badminton, Basketball, Bridge, Chess, Equestrian-Dressage, Fencing, Field Hockey, Golf, Half Marathon, Soccer, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis and Water Polo. The remainder of the Team is comprised of Coaches, Managers and Medical Staff.
Team members reside in 26 states plus the District of Columbia, including AL [1], AZ [1], CA [30], CO [2], CT [3], DC [2], FL [22], GA [2], IL [4], KY [1], MA [6], MD [6], ME [1], MI [2], MN [4], NC [1], NJ [13], NV [2], NY [31], OH [1], OR [3], PA [19], SC [1], TN [1], TX [5], VA [3], and WY [1]. Some are student-athletes at NCAA Division I universities, including Northwestern University, the University of Wyoming, Portland State University, UC-Davis, University of Southern California and Cornell University.
Maccabi USA builds Jewish pride through sports, producing the emotional intensity, high ideals, and the powerful camaraderie of competition. We connect athletes, volunteers, fans, 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.
For more information, please contact Shane Carr at 267.627.5647 or by email at scarr@maccabiusa.com.
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 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. 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.