Philadelphia, PA, August 31 – Zachary Lipshultz, of Miami, Florida has been appointed to the Open Men’s Soccer Team representing the USA at the 2nd Maccabi Australia International Games (MAIGs) in Sydney, December 26, 2010 – January 2, 2011. The Games will take place at Olympic Park where many of the competitions took place during the 2000 International Summer Olympics
A senior at Oberlin College, Lipshultz has been a four-year starter as Goal Keeper for the Oberlin Yeomen and during his junior year he earned 2nd Team All-NCAC for his efforts in the net and was named an All-American by the Jewish Sports Review. Prior to his college career he played Goal Keeper for the Ransom Everglades High School for three years, two of which he was a starter. Lipshultz has also played Goal Keeper for 10 years in club soccer with the Miami Strike Force and the Kendall Soccer Coalition.
His greatest athletic achievement to date was winning the District Final in his senior year in high school against their rival school in double overtime – final score was 2-1. Additionally, Lipshultz is an avid scuba diver who was certified on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and conducted his own undergraduate coral reef research in Bon Aire N.A. during his junior year.
When asked why he wanted to represent the USA at the MAIGs, Lipshultz responded, “It is an unbelievable opportunity to portray U.S. athletes, particularly Jewish athletes in a positive, competitive light on an international stage. I am very excited to be able to meet and befriend other Jewish athletes from around the world through competition and of course, bring home the gold!”
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.