Philadelphia, PA, February 18 – Maccabi USA will recognize 14 honorees as Legends of the Maccabiah and present a special Maccabi Spirit Award at a Gala Brunch on Sunday, March 15 in Boca Raton, Florida. All the honorees were selected for the significant contributions they have made to the Maccabi Movement as athletes, volunteers and supporters. This Legends event allows Maccabi USA to publicly recognize these honorees and to raise much-needed funds that will ensure all qualified Jewish athletes have the opportunity to participate in the Maccabiah Games in Israel.
The Honorees are:
- Alan Appelbaum, Boca Raton, who has represented the USA as a Golfer at the Maccabiah Games and stays involved with Maccabi USA as a volunteer and supporter
- Ronald Bakalarz, Aventura, who grew up with Maccabi in his native Colombia, served as a President of Maccabi World Union (the Movement’s governing body) and continues as an active member of the Maccabi World Union Executive and Chairman of the Board of Kfar Maccabiah
- Angela Buxton, Pompano Beach and Great Britain, got her start in international competitive Tennis representing Great Britain at the Maccabiah Games in 1953 and went on to win the doubles championship at Wimbledon and the French Open with tennis partner Althea Gibson
- Guiora Esrubilsky of Blessed Memory, formerly of Miami, the immediate Past President of Maccabi World Union and a leader with the Confederation of Latin American Maccabi Clubs (CLAM)
- Lester Fein of Blessed Memory, formerly of Boca Raton and Newark, NJ, was one of the top high school Basketball coaches in the country and a member of the leadership of Maccabi USA
- Bruce Fleisher of Palm Beach Gardens, was a top golf amateur when he participated in his first international competition at the Maccabiah Games in 1969 winning both an individual and team gold medals, then went on to lead a professional golf career
- Barry Gurland, North Miami Beach, athlete and volunteer for 40+ years, continues to serve in leadership positions for Maccabi USA
- David Kantor, Boca Raton and Milt Kantor of Blessed Memory, formerly of Dayton, OH, David has been an athlete and volunteer and continues to be a strong supporter and advocate for Maccabi USA, and Milt was a devoted supporter and volunteer
- Harvey Leff, Delray Beach, has always been an active volunteer and supporter of Maccabi USA as well as a Masters Golfer in multiple competitions
- Donna Orender, Jacksonville Beach, competed as a member of the Women’s Basketball team in 1985, after playing professionally for three seasons in the Women’s Pro Basketball League where she was an All-Star, is a past president of the WNBA and a member of the executive leadership of Maccabi USA
- Danny Schayes, Scottsdale, AZ, competed in the 1977 Maccabiah Games where his father, NBA and Maccabiah Legend, Dolph Schayes was coach, competed with the NBA for 18 seasons including time with the Orlando Magic
- Russell Stoch, North Palm Beach, originally from South Africa, started competing with Maccabi USA at the 2001 Maccabiah Games as a Masters’ Squash athlete and is a member of the organization’s Board of Directors
- David Weissman, Fort Lauderdale is considered a ‘founding father’ of the USA Men’s Fast Pitch Softball teams at the Maccabiah Games, having helped found the USA Fast Pitch Softball team in 1985
- A special Maccabi Spirit Award will be presented to Roy Salomon of Montreal, Canada, who is a Past President of Maccabi Canada and a member of the Maccabi World Union Executive
There are still sponsorship opportunities available for the Legends Brunch and all funds raised are used to support the projects and programs of Maccabi USA. For more information or to attend, please contact Sara Feinstein at 267.627.5654 or via email at sfeinstein@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 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.