MACCABI USA HONORS THE 2017 DOLPH SCHAYES MEMORIAL AWARD WINNERS
Philadelphia, PA, December 20, 2017 – On December 2, 2017 at the Annual Conference in Newark, NJ, Maccabi USA honored the recipients of the Dolph Schayes Memorial Award. This award was presented to one outstanding male and female athlete from the open category who represent the passion, values, and character of our beloved Dolph Schayes. This award includes a scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to be used for a future trip to Israel. The recipients are Peter Berry of Bellaire, TX and Veronica Binstock of Severna Park, MD. Peter is a member of the Open Wheelchair Basketball Team and Veronica is a member of the Open Women’s Gymnastics Team at the 20th World Maccabiah Games. Both athletes demonstrated success on and off the court, acting as outstanding competitors who exemplified the Maccabi spirit through sportsmanship and athletic excellence.
The Dolph Schayes Memorial Award recognizes an athletes’ achievement on the court and their contributions to Team USA overall. Dolph was so impacted by his Maccabiah experience and this award honors his legacy. He was an incredible basketball player; an inductee into the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame, a member of the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, the US National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, and the National Jewish American Sports Hall of Fame. In 1996 Dolph was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. He was a real mensch in that he maintained a positive attitude and selflessly helped others. He served as a gold medal coach for the Open Men’s Basketball Team at the 10th World Maccabiah Games in 1977.
This past summer, 1,131 team members represented the USA delegation at the 20th World Maccabiah Games in Israel. The Maccabiah Games are 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.
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Dakota Marine at 215-561-6900 x4156 or dmarine@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 is a U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) Multi-Sport Organization (MSO). The Organization is one of 38 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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